Apr 18, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Martin Perez (54) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
When Martin Pérez landed on the 60-day IL in April, many assumed his season was over. However, the 34-year-old left-hander is still pushing for a return to the mound this season.
On Monday, MLB.com’s Scott Merkin reported that Pérez is set to face hitters at the end of the week and is targeting an injury rehab assignment on August 2nd. It is a remarkable turnaround for a player who was at risk of undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgery.
Pérez was diagnosed with a left forearm strain after being removed from his fourth start of the season on April 18 at Fenway Park. Pérez only made it through three innings, leaving the game with left forearm inflammation after just 52 pitches. He allowed four runs on five hits with a pair of walks and no strikeouts in a 10-3 blowout loss.
The White Sox later placed him on the 60-day IL. Under that initial timeline, ESPN’s Jesse Rogers reported that while the southpaw avoided Tommy John surgery, he likely wouldn’t start throwing again until September, adding that for all practical purposes, his year was over.
Losing Pérez was a massive blow for the starting rotation. The former All-Star was signed to eat innings and be the veteran leader of a young pitching staff. But early in the season, the former World Series champion gave the White Sox more than they bargained for, quickly establishing himself as one of the team’s most effective hurlers.
Through his first four starts, he posted a 1-1 record and 3.15 ERA. He also led White Sox pitchers in innings pitched (22.1), strikeouts (18), WHIP (1.25), and opponent batting average (.197), all without throwing a pitch over 90 mph.
In his absence, the White Sox signed Adrian Houser and traded for Aaron Civale to help stabilize the rotation. But with Houser likely to be traded at the deadline, Pérez’s return could be a big boost for the White Sox rotation in the second half of the season.
His determination to return to a non-contending team, despite his contract expiring at season’s end, speaks volumes about his work ethic and character.
Jul 21, 2025; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) hits a 2 RBI single during the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
With the MLB Trade Deadline roughly 10 days away, the White Sox are expected to be very busy. There is a real scenario in which there are 8+ players traded off the current roster, which would be a complete overhaul of the roster in a short period of time.
One of the most intriguing trade pieces on the White Sox is Luis Robert Jr. After an MVP level campaign in 2023, Robert Jr. followed it up with a disappointing and injury-ridden 2024 campaign. Many believed that Robert Jr. would get off to a nice start to the 2025 season and draw significant trade interest. However, that hasn’t been the case, as through the first few months of the season, Robert Jr. has been one of the worst qualified hitters.
The tune may have changed, as after a nice stretch of games, Robert Jr. may have revitalized his trade value.
Over the last seven games, Robert Jr. is hitting .375 with a .464 OBP. Over that same stretch, he has added two homeruns, six RBIs, and three stolen bases. While that is a small sample size, he’s been pretty solid over his last 15 games as well.
Over his last 15 games, Robert Jr. has hit .255 with a .364 OBP. He has four homeruns, 10 RBIs, and three stolen bases over that stretch. He also has taken eight walks compared to 11 strikeouts. While still a small sample size, this is exactly what the White Sox want out of Robert Jr. coming out of the break.
According to Jon Heyman, other teams are starting to come around on Robert Jr., as trade interest in him is starting to pick up again.
Luis Robert is drawing interest. While he just got over .200, he hits lefties and plays good defense. White Sox may have to pay $ down a bit. Change of scenery still needed.
As Heyman notes, Robert Jr. is a lefty masher, and to a playoff team that could be extremely valuable. When you combine that with what he’s done in the past, there is plenty of reasons for a team to be interested in Robert Jr.
Robert Jr. has kept it up in tonight’s game, as he is 2-4 with two RBIs in the game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Both hits came off a righty pitcher, so that is encouraging to see.
At this point, it really just depends on how many teams are interested in Robert Jr., as a bidding war could get the White Sox a decent player in return. Teams that don’t care about payroll could be kicking the tires on Robert Jr., as they may believe they can return him to his 2023 form.
The White Sox have a decision to make, as a hot streak could encourage the White Sox to keep Robert Jr., as a strong second half could raise his trade value in the offseason, or they could sell high on his recent hot streak.
Dec 31, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive lineman Montez Sweat (98) attempts to pressure Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) in the second half /at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Bears defense underachieved last year. Part of it was the disintegration of the locker room as Matt Eberflus lost the respect of players. His unwillingness to take accountability for his mistakes seemed fan the flames until guys started tuning him out. However, there was a simpler explanation: injuries were mounting. Defensive tackle Andrew Billings was lost to a torn pectoral, crippling their run defense. Jaquan Brisker was lost for the year to a severe concussion. Yet not enough people talk about Montez Sweat.
Throughout the season, there was an undercurrent of people indicating that the star pass rusher didn’t look right. He wasn’t playing with the explosiveness that characterized his stellar 2023 season. Some wondered if the coaching situation had affected him more than most. Or maybe he took his foot off the gas after getting his big contract. None of that was true. Sweat was hurt. Though he played most of the season, it’s been revealed he was never 100% healthy. Adam Jahns of CHGO shared details of how serious it was.
Sweat was definitely hindered last season. He played in 16 games, but he dealt with toe, shin, ankle and elbow injuries during the season. If Sweat wanted an excuse, he obviously has several of them.
“I don’t really dwell on it too much,” Sweat said in May. “Football is a game where it’s not if you’re going to get hurt, but when. So you’ve got to deal with those things and just move forward. I’m sure that won’t be my last injury.”
That said, expectations will always remain high for him after he received his massive contract extension. Allen needs to be discussed here, too. Look for Allen to find more one-on-one matchups for Sweat through his scheme.
Montez Sweat deserves credit for gutting it out.
He easily could’ve shut himself down and recovered by missing a few games. Instead, he battled through the pain to help his team, even if what he gave wasn’t at his customary level. Montez Sweat is a great teammate for that. The good news is he should be fully healed. He’s had months to get his body right. There haven’t been any reports of offseason surgeries. Montez Sweat should hit training camp back at the level he was two years ago. The Bears will certainly need him. Questions remain about their pass rush. They struggled getting to the quarterback when Sweat couldn’t force offenses to double-team him. How he rebounds this year (if at all) will decide both their season and next offseason.
May 16, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (27) outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) and outfielder Kyle Tucker (30) celebrate their win against the Chicago White Sox at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
The Chicago Cubs got off to a good start following the All-Star break, taking two of three from the Boston Red Sox before beginning a three-game series against the sub .500 Kansas City Royals. However, Monday’s starting lineup exposes a potential disaster for the Cubs down the stretch, heading into October.
Seiya Suzuki, who has primarily been the team’s designated hitter for the past year, is making his first career start in center field. No, it has nothing to do with the Cubs facing left-handed starting pitcher Noah Cameron and it’s not a scheduled day off for Pete Crow-Armstrong either. Prior to Monday night’s game, local reporters were told that Crow-Armstrong is sitting out because of a knee issue.
Pete Crow-Armstrong is dealing with a bruised right knee, Cubs manager Craig Counsell said, an issue that will make Seiya Suzuki their starting center fielder tonight at Wrigley Field.
Crow-Armstrong has started 98 of the team’s 99 games so far in 2025 and has produced the most value at 5.2 fWAR. The talented center fielder is hitting .270/.306/.556. He’s tied with Suzuki for a team-high 26 home runs, while both players are also tied for the third-highest mark on the Cubs with a 137 wRC+.
Suzuki was pretty much demoted from being the starting right fielder in Aug. 2024, and has only started 29 games in the outfield this season. You can see the desperation by the Cubs because Suzuki certainly isn’t your prototypical backup center fielder, but Craig Counsell is willing to risk the defensive downgrade instead of going with Vidal Brujan in center.
This hasn’t been an issue whatsoever so far in 2025, but now that we’re approaching the stretch run you can see a big problem on the horizon if Crow-Armstrong is ever out for an extended period of time. The Cubs will either take a major hit on defense with Suzuki in center or they’ll have to plug in Brujan into the starting lineup. Brujan hasn’t played much this year and when he has he’s been brutal. The switch-hitter is slashing .179/.195/.256, in 41 plate appearances.
Simply put, the Cubs do not have a backup plan in center field and are pretty much crossing their fingers that Crow-Armstrong remains healthy.
If you’re thinking that outfield prospect Kevin Alcantara could be the next man up to fill in if Crow-Armstrong does have to miss extended time, think again. Cubs insiders Patrick Mooney and Sahdev Sharma dispelled that notion in a recent article in The Athletic. Plus, there’s also the chance that the Cubs trade Alcantara within the next 10 days.
Assuming well-regarded prospect Kevin Alcántara doesn’t get traded this summer, the Cubs wouldn’t feel comfortable calling him up from Triple-A Iowa and installing him as their everyday center fielder.
Ian Happ has one start in center field in the past four seasons and Kyle Tucker has four career starts in center field, all coming back in 2021. The only other outfielder on the 40-man roster is Owen Caissie, who has two career starts in center field throughout his minor league career.
While the Cubs have much bigger needs to address at the trade deadline, this knee issue that has suddenly popped up for Crow-Armstrong may have Jed Hoyer making a few more calls to get another outfielder on the roster. If Brujan isn’t filling in now, then you can almost guarantee that he won’t be on the roster once the trade deadline passes.
And even if Suzuki is passable in center field the lineup is much weaker with Justin Turner as the designated hitter. So yeah, please be OK, Pete!
Oklahoma State pitcher Gabe Davis (22) pitches during a game in the NCAA Stillwater Regional between the Oklahoma State Cowboys (OSU) and the Dallas Baptist Patriots at O'Brate Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., on Saturday, June 3, 2023.
The Chicago White Sox closed out the 2025 MLB Draft with a promising haul, landing four draft prospects ranked inside The Athletic’s top 100. The group features a mix of high-upside talent and positional versatility, signaling a continued focus on rebuilding organizational depth and adding impact players for the future.
One player that just missed Keith Law’s top-100 rankings was Gabe Davis. Davis, the White Sox’s fifth-round pick out of Oklahoma State, is one of the more intriguing players in the White Sox’s draft class.
Davis’ career totals for the Cowboys don’t jump off the page. In 94.2 innings across three seasons, he owned a career 5.61 ERA with an .253 opponent average against. However, he has the tools to be an impact arm for the White Sox in the future.
He brings an intimidating presence to the mound, standing 6-foot-9 and weighing 225 pounds, with a fastball that sits in the upper 90s and can touch triple digits. He also features a changeup that carried a 51.7% whiff rate in college, complemented by an 83 mph curveball and 89 mph slider. That arsenal helped him average 11.8 strikeouts per nine innings during his collegiate career.
In 2024, he tied for the team lead with three saves and delivered in big moments — earning a win in the Big 12 Championship game after throwing 2.2 innings of one-run ball with two strikeouts against Oklahoma. During the NCAA regionals against Florida, he struck out a career-high eight batters over four shutout innings. He also threw two no-hitters and posted a 2.84 ERA in his final prep season as a senior at Choctaw High School.
While he never fully put everything together in college, his clear upside is what drew the White Sox to him. With the organization’s recent track record of developing pitchers — coupled with increased investments in minor league infrastructure and technology — there’s every reason to believe Davis can be molded into an effective, high-leverage reliever.
Dec 24, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver DJ Chark (4) catches the ball as Carolina Panthers safety Jeremy Chinn (21) defends in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
One thing is becoming clear about new head coach Ben Johnson. He isn’t somebody to rest on his laurels. Since he took over, the Chicago Bears have been aggressive in overhauling the offensive depth chart from top to bottom. Nowhere is that clearer than the passing game. Two new tight ends arrived to join Cole Kmet, headlined by 1st round pick Colston Loveland. However, wide receiver might be the biggest surprise with the signing of Olamide Zacchaeus and selection of Luther Burden III in the 2nd round.
Together with D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze, one would think the Bears are satisfied with their depth. Apparently, that isn’t the case. Ian Rapoport revealed that the team is looking into possibly signing veteran D.J. Chark. The former 2nd round pick has carved out a journeyman career in the NFL, filled with highs and lows. He had over 1000 yards in 2019 and made the Pro Bowl. Unfortunately, recent years have been stymied by injuries. The interest from the Bears likely stems from the fact Chark played for Johnson in Detroit in 2022. He finished with a respectable 502 yards and three touchdowns that year.
Former #Chargers WR DJ Chark, one of the top veteran free agents available, recently visited the #Bears, sources say.
The Bears head coach seems to favor players with speed and veteran depth. Chark checks both of those boxes. It doesn’t hurt that he’s played in this offense before and knows what to expect. He can be a great sounding board for younger guys like Odunze and Burden, who must learn it quickly. If somebody like him is your potential fifth option on the depth chart? Your team is in great shape. Much depends on Chark’s health. He’s in his 30s and has only played a full season once in the past four years. Talent was never the issue with him. It’s always been reliability. If the Bears do plan to sign him, it will likely happen within the next two or three days.
Oct 27, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) scrambles from Washington Commanders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) during the third quarter at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Talent alone doesn’t earn playing time in the NFL. A lot of it is about timing and opportunities. The Chicago Bears look like they’re about to have one of the more competitive training camps in years. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson have assembled a compelling roster with solid players at every position. It creates a scenario where every practice is meaningful. Just one could determine which direction the starting lineup tilts in the next month. While doing well the entire time is crucial, sometimes how you start a camp will make or break your chances. Here are some names that can’t afford to come out of the gates slow.
Few Chicago Bears need strong camp starts more than these guys.
Tyson Bagent (QB)
Nobody can argue Bagent was a rock-solid backup for the Bears over the past two seasons. He put in all the work they asked of him, was a great teammate, and even won a couple of games for them. However, the one thing he couldn’t offer was experience. That is why the team brought in Case Keenum. The longtime veteran has seen everything the league has to offer, and can provide advice to Caleb Williams that Bagent simply can’t. This is why the third-year quarterback must come out swinging in the first week of practices. If the coaches sense Keenum is above him, his roster spot is in jeopardy.
Kiran Amegadjie (OT)
It’s hard not to feel bad for Amegadjie. He was drafted in the 3rd round to back up and eventually compete with Braxton Jones. Now that the Chicago Bears’ starter is recovering from a broken leg, it should’ve been Amegadjie’s time to shine. Instead, he faces another mountain to climb after the team drafted Ozzy Trapilo in the 2nd round. Not only is the rookie considered a serious contender for the left tackle job, but Amegadjie is up against the clock, and Jones is expected to return at some point during camp. That gives the second-year man a small window to make an impression.
Roschon Johnson (RB)
D’Andre Swift dodged a bullet. He remains the unquestioned starter for the Bears at running back. The question is who Ben Johnson and the coaching staff will pair with him. Initial belief is that job will go to Roschon, who offers the big, bruising style of running that would complement Swift well. Still, rookie Kyle Monangai was praised for his work in OTAs and minicamps. The Bears are certain to give him plenty of looks in the coming weeks. Johnson is finally in a place where he could get serious workloads after years as primarily a short-yardage guy and pass protector. He can’t afford to waste this chance.
Tyrique Stevenson (CB)
Nobody is under the gun more than Stevenson. His 2024 did not go as planned, marked by inconsistency and his now-infamous gaffe in Washington that led to the Hail Mary. Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon are fixed as starters. That means Stevenson is the one person who could be threatened for the starting job. The Bears have certainly stacked the competition with Terell Smith and rookie 5th round pick Zah Frazier. Stevenson’s safety net of Matt Eberflus and his coaching staff is gone. This new group, led by Dennis Allen and Al Harris, is under no obligation to hand him the job. He will have to earn it, and there won’t be any grading on a curve because he’s a former 2nd round pick.
May 9, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson (R) looks on during the Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Let’s not dance around it: the Chicago Bears have finally hit on a coach who brings serious football juice. Back when Ryan Poles couldn’t even get a sniff from top-tier candidates, the air was thick with meh. But Poles flipped the script — now Ben Johnson, the hottest offensive mind in football, chose Chicago. That’s no accident — that’s destiny.
In this article, we’re going to dig deep into what makes Ben Johnson’s offenses pop. From play design and spacing to protection schemes and situational creativity, we’ll break down why this hire could be the turning point Bears fans have been waiting on for years.
Trickery That Slaps
Before we dive into route spacing and personnel groupings, let’s talk about one of Ben Johnson’s most tantalizing traits — his flair for creative play calls. These aren’t your standard misdirections or gimmicks; they’re well-orchestrated pieces of deception that make defenses look lost and fans lose their minds.
A. The Left-Pitch → Shovel Pass (20 yards, first-and-10)
The Play: It starts as a standard pitch play to David Montgomery going left, which draws the defense that direction. But then — boom — Amon-Ra St. Brown comes screaming across the formation and Montgomery shovel passes him the rock mid-play. Meanwhile, the WRs are sealing blocks and the OL is pulling smartly to keep the misdirection clean and lethal.
Why it works: Misdirection + OL selling block to left, pulling LG through the middle = massive cutback lane
Film fact: Picked up 20 yards early in playoffs. If this had been drawn up in Chicago last year, the defense would’ve been too busy running into each other to even realize St. Brown had the ball. That’s how far removed this level of execution and misdirection is from what Bears fans are used to seeing.
B. Shovel‑Pitch Hybrid (3rd‑and‑12 vs. SF, DET)
The Play: Amon-Ra St. Brown runs a crisp slant and catches the ball in stride. Meanwhile, Jameson Williams is running a drag route underneath. Just as the defense converges, St. Brown flips the ball back to Williams on a perfectly timed pitch.
Why it works: It’s the ultimate bait-and-switch. The defense keys in on the slant completion, starts to swarm, and suddenly Williams has the ball in space with a convoy. It’s misdirection in motion, turning a simple short gain into a house call.
Film fact: This play blew up for over 40 yards and a touchdown — proof of Johnson’s next-level ability to layer deception into even the most basic route combos.
C. Fake Zone Pull for End-Round Sweep
The Play: Jahmyr Gibbs lines up in the backfield and sells a trap run fake with conviction, pulling the defense’s attention to the interior. But as Goff pulls the ball back, Jameson Williams loops around the formation on an end-around sweep, takes the handoff, and flies upfield.
Why it works: The initial trap fake freezes linebackers and draws the d-line inside, creating a clean alley for Williams once he receives the ball. The defense bites hard on Gibbs, which opens up the edge.
Film fact: Williams ripped this one for over 20 yards, showing how Johnson layers deception into even his run game — it’s not just about clever passing, it’s about stressing every assignment on defense.
Top 5 NFL Teams by Trick Plays from the 2024-25 Season
Run Game: Built Tough, Smart & Explosive
You can’t build an elite offense without a ground game that does more than chew clock. Ben Johnson’s run schemes — anchored by outside zone—are the perfect marriage of physicality and finesse. His ability to mix in power, duo, and ISO ensures he’s not just running for the sake of it — he’s dictating terms to defenses.
70% of runs = outside zone — zone, zone, zone!
Chicago’s right side, especially Darnell Wright, is tailor-made for this
OL reaching DTs, climbing to second level, pushing lanes wide open
Johnson blends in duo, ISO, power, and duo‑type pull schemes
Rare fullback usage (19 snaps all year) — but lots of tight ends in those FB slots
Personnel usage:
61% 11 personnel (1 Tight End)
33% 12 personnel (2 Tight End)
5% 13 personnel (3 Tight End)
Roughly 97% of plays involve 1–2 tight ends. He loves his in‑line blockers.
Play-Action Heaven
Play-action isn’t just a cheat code in Ben Johnson’s system — it’s the engine. Built on the back of a strong run game, Johnson’s play-action concepts let his quarterbacks go for the jugular. These designs exploit the smallest hesitation from linebackers, often resulting in massive gains.
Example: Yankee‑cont concept.
Deep drag + post = strike combo
Result: 82‑yard TD by Goff
You’ll see this design a TON — deep shot over a defense trusting the run.
Yankee Concept Deeper Dive
Johnson’s Yankee concept stretches the defense vertically by combining a deep over route with a post, essentially stacking pressure on both the safeties and linebackers. The play-action fake compounds the issue by freezing defenders just long enough to make them late in coverage. If the safety bites shallow, the post route becomes a kill shot. If the safety stays deep, the over route finds daylight behind flat-footed linebackers.
This design cleverly builds two levels of high-low reads:
One between the over and the post
Another between the play-action fake and the over
For the quarterback, the progression stays simple:
Check if it’s a single-high or two-high safety shell
Track the safety’s leverage — do they crash or stay deep?
See if linebackers drop deep enough to bracket the over route
The concept isolates defenders and delivers clarity for the QB — exactly what every OC should aim for.
Yankee Concept, per Weeklyspiral.com
Spacing = Elite Geometry
Bad spacing kills drives. We’ve seen it with Chicago. Johnson fixes that by teaching route spacing like it’s sacred geometry. Every pass concept is built to create natural separation — no extra effort needed, just precision and timing.
Example: Quick-hitch options + deep dagger = full-field coverage
One play produced 28-yard gain on single read and another time for 31 yards
These look clean: WRs 7–8 yards apart, crossing intermediate/deep, clear pockets for QB decisions.
Dagger Concept, per Weeklyspiral.com
Pass Protection Philosophy: 5-Man Murder
Protection schemes often dictate what your offense can realistically pull off — and Ben Johnson’s five-man protection sets are a testament to trusting your front. The upside? You get more receivers in routes. The risk? Your OL better win.
Base protection = 5-man front
No chipping by T‑ends or RBs — designed to give OL one job: block
Only chip up front when elite rusher emerges (like Garrett/Parsons)
That’s why Chicago’s TBD at LT are mission-critical – Need to find out if Ozzy or Braxton wins the job FAST
Johnson trusts his front five. If they cave, the whole offense stumbles
Coaching & Execution: Mind + Muscle Sync
A good scheme means jack if players can’t run it. That’s where Ben Johnson separates from the pack. Every player on the field knows his assignment, and more importantly, knows why it matters. Execution isn’t an afterthought — it’s baked into every rep.
Every tight end, guard, tackle sees why they’re blocking where
They run on time, knowing which gap they fill
Waldron-era chaos? Not happening here. This is professional, polished, precise.
Why It Changes Everything for Chicago
This isn’t just a schematic change — it’s a full culture reset. With Johnson at the helm, the Bears can finally develop a football identity on offense that’s equal parts modern and violent. And when that identity becomes second nature? That’s when you win in January.
HC-level install: This offense installs like it’s in year 3, not year 1
Instant identity: Bears can instantly shift from run power to glass shots
Tight-end advantage: Chicago’s TEs just went from role players to core pieces
Poles + Johnson synergy: Clear roster/pick needs (LT, Center, TEs) = Obvious holes filled.
TL;DR Breakdown
If you’re looking for the fast pass through this breakdown, here’s the high-level cheat sheet. It’s everything that makes Ben Johnson’s scheme tick and why the Bears should be frothing at the mouth to get this going by Week 1.
Bolsters OL importance; raises the bar for RT/LT/C
Player buy-in
WRs, TEs, OL & RBs operate like a coordinated machine
Final Verdict
Chicago just landed the top play-caller in football. Ben Johnson didn’t just inherit an offense — he’s bringing a ready-made system regarding structure, creativity, and identity. No more guessing who’s coaching. With the right offensive line shoring up those interior spots, this thing clicks fast.
Poles did the heavy lifting — finding this coach is proof. Now Chicago’s got the structure, scheme, and swagger to actually contend. If you thought the Bears offense would be a snooze this fall… think again.
Because when this offense hits full stride, that colosseum off the lake is gonna ring loud with cheers, not crickets.
Jun 3, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks to pass the ball during minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
With Bears training camp set to begin on Tuesday, the energy at Halas Hall is off the charts. Fans are eager to see how this team will take shape under head coach Ben Johnson—and there’s no shortage of questions about the rookie class, position battles, and the team’s overall direction.
I took to Twitter to gather your top questions ahead of camp. Let’s dive in:
@beardenlive:What’s one thing that might surprise people about the rookies? A: The biggest surprise could be just how deep and NFL ready this rookie class is. The Bears drafted high-floor players who are capable of contributing right away on both sides of the ball. Expect several rookies to flash early in camp—and some may earn significant roles by Week 1.
@ItsLukeWRLD:Is Tyrique Stevenson getting first-team reps? A: Most likely, yes. Entering his third year, Stevenson has shown enough physicality and ball skills to warrant serious looks with the starters. The coaching staff is high on him, but he’ll still have to earn it—competition in the secondary will be fun to watch.
@ChiTownHighligh:What’s Kyle Monogai’s role? A: Barring injuries, Monogai figures to slot in as RB3 behind D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson. He’ll likely contribute on special teams and in specific packages. His balance and vision give him upside, but he’ll need to stand out in camp to earn more reps.
@sadvolsfan:Who’s RB1 in Week 17 if everyone’s healthy? Who handles early downs? A: If he stays healthy, D’Andre Swift should be the clear RB1. He brings explosiveness and experience, and with an improved O-line, he’s in position for a breakout year. Expect Swift to handle most first and second down work, with Johnson being a change of pace option and short yardage situations. He was a menace inside the five yard-line.
@jthornhil:Which rookie will make the biggest impact in Year 1? A: Left tackle Ozzy Trapilo is my pick. If he secures the starting job, his impact on the offense will be massive—especially in protecting Caleb Williams. That said, Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland could also become major contributors in Ben Johnson’s offense.
@ABelchy25:Who has a bigger impact: Dayo or Grady? A: This is close, but I’ll lean Grady Jarrett. His experience, toughness, and ability to collapse the pocket give the Bears a true difference maker on the interior. Dayo Odeyingbo should (hopefully) still be a player on the defense, but Jarrett’s leadership and disruptive presence could elevate the whole defensive front.
Football Is Back
Training camp is finally here, and with it comes a wave of possibilities. This Bears team is younger, faster, and deeper than it’s been in years. Not to mention a brand new coaching staff.. If the rookies live up to the hype and the stars stay healthy, 2025 could be something special in Chicago.
LIVE: Caleb Williams & Bears Rookies Arrive at Halas Hall
Jul 20, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago White Sox shortstop Chase Meidroth (10) congratulates first baseman Miguel Vargas (20) on his three run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Before kicking off the second half of the season, the White Sox held a team meeting on Friday. According to Mike Tauchman, the conversation centered around holding themselves accountable for certain things moving forward.
Whatever was said during the meeting seemed to work, as the White Sox offense erupted for 27 runs on 34 hits in a three-game series sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.
On Friday, the White Sox connected for 11 hits for 10 runs in a 10-1 win over the Pirates, powered by home runs from Edgar Quero and Luis Robert Jr., who finished with two hits and two RBIs. Every Chicago starter reached base at least once except Chase Meidroth, who went 0-for-5.
Meidroth bounced back Saturday, collecting one of the team’s 13 hits in a 10-4 victory. After falling behind 3-0 in the fourth, the offense came alive in the fifth with an RBI single from Lenyn Sosa and an RBI double by Josh Rojas.
The White Sox broke the game open in the sixth when Robert Jr. and Austin Slater each hit RBI singles, followed by a bases-clearing double from Mike Tauchman to make it 7-4. Meidroth added insurance with an RBI single later in the inning, and Sosa capped the scoring in the seventh with a two-run single.
The White Sox wasted no time jumping on the Pirates in the series finale on Sunday. Meidroth doubled on the second pitch of the game, Slater drew a four-pitch walk, and Miguel Vargas drove them in with a 411-foot three-run blast to left-center field.
Tauchman then made it back-to-back homers two pitches later, with a 429-foot homer that cleared PNC Park and landed in the Allegheny River. Tuachman is just the 52nd different player to reach the river, a feat that has only been accomplished 84 times in the stadium’s history.
But Tauchman wasn’t done putting his fingerprints on the series. In the top of the fifth, he connected for his 12th double of the year to score Vardas and Quero, and give the White Sox a 7-1 lead.
The White Sox would go on to win the game 7-2, capping off their first road series sweep since July 3rd, 2022.
“We talked coming out of the break that we have to make real changes in our approach to get to the fastball, and the guys responded and did a great job,” White Sox manager Will Venabable told reporters on Sunday.
While the offense received all the attention, the White Sox also received some solid pitching performances.
Jonathan Cannon set the tone for the second half on Friday by tossing seven innings of one-run ball, striking out two batters on five hits and no walks. Relievers Dan Altavilla and Tyler Alexander closed things out by each firing a scoreless inning.
The bullpen was the story on Saturday, with Tyler Gilbert, Steven Wilson, Brandon Eisert, Jordan Leasure, and Wikelman González combining for 4.2 scoreless innings after starter Adrian Houser was pulled in the fifth inning after allowing four runs (three earned) on ten hits. The five White Sox relievers combined to allow just three hits and struck out four.
On Sunday, Aaron Civale put together his best start in a White Sox uniform, allowing just one unearned run in six innings, while striking out six. Grant Taylor then came out of the bullpen in the seventh inning and proceeded to strike out the side.
“Good fight, good baseball, guys are playing together,” Civale said after Sunday’s 7-2 win. “Good defense, good pitching, aggressive out there. Good blocking behind the plate, good pitch calling, so it was just nonstop fight.”
