The Bears conducted a padded practice that was open to the public Tuesday in warm and humid conditions at Halas Hall. Here's what transpired:
Coach Matt Eberflus told reporters that starters won't play Thursday night when the Bears open the preseason against the Texans in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton.
"We feel really good where they are right now in terms of the padded practices we've had," Eberflus said. "We've had three so far and then have another one tomorrow. We got a head start there because we are in the Hall of Fame Game, which I think is very fortunate for us this year to be able to add those reps."
Another benefit of the Bears playing in the Hall of Fame Game will be the chance it provides non-starters to show what they can do in an actual NFL game.
"It's a great opportunity really for the guys, the role players that we're going to have on our team and the guys that are fringe roster players," Eberflus said. "Those guys are going to be looked at by not only us but, of course, the whole league."
Even without suiting up for the Hall of Fame Game, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is still expected to play 45-55 snaps in the preseason, a goal that Eberflus had stated on the first day of training camp.
"That's always a number that you're searching for, what we had looked at this year," Eberflus said. "And it's week to week. You've always got to look at the health of your team, as I stated before. That can change. That can adjust. I do know we're getting a lot of good reps in practice. Those are also equally as valuable. And the Cincinnati [joint practice] is going to be equally as valuable as those games because there you can run some more things and you're doing some different things there and it's good on good."
On Monday, Williams revealed that he's pleased with how he's progressing in training camp, saying: "I think I'm on track to be ready, exactly where I need to be and where they want me to be."
"I would agree with that," Eberflus said Tuesday. "He's really made some big strides here. We're really talking about a massive amount of reps in the first eight or nine practices that we had, because we have it set up for the walk-throughs prior to practices and then also in the evening we had a massive amount. He's really starting to pick up his leadership too. Because now he feels comfortable in the offense, you can really start to see him coach other guys, encourage other guys, bring guys together, which he has done in the past and that's a good sign too."
On the field
After being outperformed by the defense for much of Tuesday's practice, the offense finished with a flourish. Williams capped a two-minute drill by rifling a touchdown pass to rookie receiver Rome Odunze, splitting two defenders. After simulating a defensive TD, Williams and Odunze connected again on a two-point conversion pass.
"In terms of practice today, I thought it was good," Eberflus said. "It was really the first look at us in a little bit of heat, which was good to see. Guys got to learn how to push through that, how to callous up and how to really just push through and still have sustained enthusiasm. That's what I talked to the team about after practice. You felt a little lull in there. The defense was running pretty hot all day. But we had a little lull in there. We're making some big plays on offense and we're not having any passion and playing the game the right way. So, we talked about that with those guys and then they finished right."
One highlight early in practice came in a 7-on-7 drill when Williams completed a long pass down the left sideline to receiver DJ Moore.
Defensively, safety Jaquan Brisker recorded an interception, and cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Josh Blackwell and linebacker Jack Sanborn broke up passes.
Looking ahead
The Bears plan to conduct a split practice Wednesday before leaving for the Hall of Fame Game later in the day. After individual drills, players not suiting up for the preseason opener will practice in pads, while those who are playing will take part in a walk-through to preserve their legs and prepare for the game.
Hall call
After the team lands in Cleveland, Eberflus will lead an optional one-hour bus trip to the Hall of Fame. The group is expected to spend time with Bears Hall of Famers Richard Dent, Jimbo Covert and Devin Hester, who will be enshrined Saturday.
"We're going to meet with those guys before and hang out with those guys for a while and then we're going to tour the Hall that evening and then get back to the hotel after that," Eberflus said. "It's going to be exciting. Our guys are excited about it. And it's going to be fun."
Showing leadership
Williams doesn't act like a rookie on or off the field. On Monday, fourth-year running back Khalil Herbert told reporters that the USC product reminded teammates that they should clean up after themselves and not leave a mess in the locker room for others to tidy up.
"Just the leadership aspect, he's not going to wait for anyone to say what needs to be said," Herbert said. "He's going to step up, hit it on the nail, hit it on the head. Being able to do that as a rookie is great. Guys respect that."
Fellow running back Roschon Johnson also has been impressed with Williams.
"From my experience with him, he's a great guy that basically goes to work every day," Johnson said. "Definitely a very talented kid that basically does everything the way that you need it. On top of that, he has an uncanny ability to play the quarterback position and just do things that other quarterbacks probably can't. Great guy. I think the team has gravitated towards him, and we're excited."
