Real football returns Monday morning at Halas Hall when the Bears conduct their first padded practice since the end of last season.
According to an agreement reached by the NFL and NFL Players Association, Monday marks the first day of a 21-day contact integration period. During that span—which runs through Sept. 6—teams are allowed to hold a maximum of 14 padded practices.
The time limit for Monday's practice is 90 minutes. Subsequent padded practices can be extended by 15 minutes through the fifth practice (from 90 to 105 to 120 to 135 to 150), after which the maximum is 150 minutes.
Padded practices may not be held on more than three consecutive calendar days, and such three-day practice periods may not be conducted more than three times during training camp.
Prior to the contact integration period, NFL teams held an acclimation period Aug. 3-11 during which on-field activities were limited to strength and conditioning work and walk-through sessions. A gradual ramp-up period followed this past Wednesday through Sunday during which the Bears held non-contact practices Friday and Sunday.
Beginning Monday, coach Matt Nagy and multiple players will speak to the media via video calls each day the Bears practice.
Log onto ChicagoBears.com for complete training camp coverage.
