Chicago Bears starting center Lucas Patrick suffered a hand injury in training camp this week that will require surgery and six-to-eight weeks to heal. There's optimism that he'll be back in the starting lineup by the time Week 1 rolls around. For now, his absence opens the door for some of Chicago's younger offensive linemen to get quality reps.
The most obvious beneficiary of Patrick's injury is rookie center Doug Kramer.
Kramer, the former University of Illinois standout, was selected by the Bears in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He, along with last year's starter, Sam Mustipher, will receive the lion's share of first-team reps while Patrick recovers.
“Obviously, it’s a great opportunity,” Kramer said this week. “It’s still super early in camp, so right now, I’m just trying to stay locked in, learn as much as I can, and try to go after that spot, for sure.”
Kramer doesn't really have an opportunity to unseat Patrick for the starting job. When healthy, Patrick will be in the lineup. But if Kramer is indeed the next man up at center, he has to be ready to play if his number is called during the regular season.
“I’ve worked to try to get to that point, and I’ve put in a lot of time studying the playbook and trying to understand things in great detail and depth so I can be a tool for the other guys on the offensive line,” Kramer said. “And that’s a very similar mindset to what I had in Illinois, and I’m just trying to get back to that understanding of the level of detail that’s needed to be a center in this league.”
Kramer already has a fan in Bears coach Matt Eberflus.
“Super smart. Able to make all the calls,” Eberflus said of Kramer. “Sometimes you think, ‘Well, mentally it might be too big for somebody to make the mike points and change protections with the quarterback and make the line calls and be the point guy on that.’ It’s not. He’s able to do that. Now, the physical side of it, he has to learn leverage and how to play and jump to the second level under control and be able to stick and stay on linebackers, you know, understanding all those things. That’s to be expected.”
The physical side is part of the reason why Doug Kramer fell to the sixth round. He's an undersized player at 6-2, 300 pounds. Any physical advantage he can find will be critical to him enjoying sustained success in the NFL.
“It’s a dream come true," Kramer said. 'It’s hard to even think that I’m at this point, but it’s great to be here and just taking it step by step.”
Chicago Bears starting center Lucas Patrick suffered a hand injury in \x3Ca href=\"https://bearstalk.com/category/training-camp/\">training camp\x3C/a> this week that will require surgery and six-to-eight weeks to heal. There's optimism that he'll be back in the starting lineup by the time Week 1 rolls around. For now, his absence opens the door for some of Chicago's younger offensive linemen to get quality reps.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The most obvious beneficiary of Patrick's injury is rookie center Doug Kramer. \x3C/p>\x3Cp>Kramer, the former University of Illinois standout, was selected by the Bears in the sixth round of the \x3Ca href=\"https://www.chicagobears.com/photos/bears-2022-draft-picks\">2022 NFL Draft\x3C/a>. He, along with last year's starter, Sam Mustipher, will receive the lion's share of first-team reps while Patrick recovers.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>“Obviously, it’s a great opportunity,” Kramer said this week. “It’s still super early in camp, so right now, I’m just trying to stay locked in, learn as much as I can, and try to go after that spot, for sure.”\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Kramer doesn't \x3Cem>really \x3C/em>have an opportunity to unseat Patrick for the starting job. When healthy, Patrick will be in the lineup. But if Kramer is indeed the next man up at center, he has to be ready to play if his number is called during the regular season.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>“I’ve worked to try to get to that point, and I’ve put in a lot of time studying the playbook and trying to understand things in great detail and depth so I can be a tool for the other guys on the offensive line,” Kramer said. “And that’s a very similar mindset to what I had in Illinois, and I’m just trying to get back to that understanding of the level of detail that’s needed to be a center in this league.”\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Kramer already has a fan in Bears coach Matt Eberflus.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>“Super smart. Able to make all the calls,” Eberflus said of Kramer. “Sometimes you think, ‘Well, mentally it might be too big for somebody to make the mike points and change protections with the quarterback and make the line calls and be the point guy on that.’ It’s not. He’s able to do that. Now, the physical side of it, he has to learn leverage and how to play and jump to the second level under control and be able to stick and stay on linebackers, you know, understanding all those things. That’s to be expected.”\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The physical side is part of the reason why Doug Kramer fell to the sixth round. He's an undersized player at 6-2, 300 pounds. Any physical advantage he can find will be critical to him enjoying sustained success in the NFL.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>“It’s a dream come true,\" Kramer said. 'It’s hard to even think that I’m at this point, but it’s great to be here and just taking it step by step.”\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Ca href='https://bearstalk.com/membership-account/membership-levels/\">\x3Cstrong>\x3Cem>Click here to subscribe to Bears Talk and join\x3C/em> \x3Cem>the conversation on our growing social network. Please consider one of our premium levels too. Every subscription helps grow the site.\x3C/em>\x3C/strong>\x3C/a>\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Chicago Bears rookie Doug Kramer will get first-team reps following the injury to starting center Lucas Patrick during Bears training camp ...",featured_image_url:"/api/public/media/2025/07/Untitled-design-3-1-original.jpg",photo_credit:null,status:"published",created_at:"2026-06-23T13:24:34.381588+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[14]=["2022 Season"],tags:$R[15]=["2022-nfl-season","2022-season","chicago-bears","doug-kramer","news","training-camp"],meta_title:null,meta_description:null,og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:null,reading_time_minutes:null,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1,linkedContent:"\x3Cp>Chicago Bears starting center Lucas Patrick suffered a hand injury in \x3Ca href=\"https://bearstalk.com/category/training-camp/\">training camp\x3C/a> this week that will require surgery and six-to-eight weeks to heal. There's optimism that he'll be back in the starting lineup by the time Week 1 rolls around. For now, his absence opens the door for some of Chicago's younger offensive linemen to get quality reps.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The most obvious beneficiary of Patrick's injury is rookie center Doug Kramer. \x3C/p>\x3Cp>Kramer, the former University of Illinois standout, was selected by the Bears in the sixth round of the \x3Ca href=\"https://www.chicagobears.com/photos/bears-2022-draft-picks\">2022 NFL Draft\x3C/a>. He, along with last year's starter, Sam Mustipher, will receive the lion's share of first-team reps while Patrick recovers.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>“Obviously, it’s a great opportunity,” Kramer said this week. “It’s still super early in camp, so right now, I’m just trying to stay locked in, learn as much as I can, and try to go after that spot, for sure.”\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Kramer doesn't \x3Cem>really \x3C/em>have an opportunity to unseat Patrick for the starting job. When healthy, Patrick will be in the lineup. But if Kramer is indeed the next man up at center, he has to be ready to play if his number is called during the regular season.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>“I’ve worked to try to get to that point, and I’ve put in a lot of time studying the playbook and trying to understand things in great detail and depth so I can be a tool for the other guys on the offensive line,” Kramer said. “And that’s a very similar mindset to what I had in Illinois, and I’m just trying to get back to that understanding of the level of detail that’s needed to be a center in this league.”\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Kramer already has a fan in Bears coach Matt Eberflus.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>“Super smart. Able to make all the calls,” Eberflus said of Kramer. “Sometimes you think, ‘Well, mentally it might be too big for somebody to make the mike points and change protections with the quarterback and make the line calls and be the point guy on that.’ It’s not. He’s able to do that. Now, the physical side of it, he has to learn leverage and how to play and jump to the second level under control and be able to stick and stay on linebackers, you know, understanding all those things. That’s to be expected.”\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The physical side is part of the reason why Doug Kramer fell to the sixth round. He's an undersized player at 6-2, 300 pounds. Any physical advantage he can find will be critical to him enjoying sustained success in the NFL.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>“It’s a dream come true,\" Kramer said. 'It’s hard to even think that I’m at this point, but it’s great to be here and just taking it step by step.”\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Ca href='https://bearstalk.com/membership-account/membership-levels/\">\x3Cstrong>\x3Cem>Click here to subscribe to Bears Talk and join\x3C/em> \x3Cem>the conversation on our growing social network. Please consider one of our premium levels too. Every subscription helps grow the site.\x3C/em>\x3C/strong>\x3C/a>\x3C/p>",related:$R[16]=[$R[17]={id:"bc8c6639-cbc5-42ab-beeb-50a608e78aa7",wp_post_id:100000000136,title:"Bears make massive commitment to D'Andre Swift just before Week 1",slug:"dandre-swift-bears-contract-extension-33-million-2026",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/09/11",published_at:"2026-09-11T21:37:53.431+00:00",updated_at:"2026-09-11T21:37:53.431+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears aren't waiting until after the 2026 season to make a decision on D'Andre Swift's future.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Swift and the Bears have agreed to a three-year, $33.75 million contract extension that includes $27.5 million guaranteed, \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2098495288893648933?s=20\">according to ESPN's Adam Schefter\x3C/a>. The extension keeps Swift under contract with Chicago through the 2029 season.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>It's a significant commitment to a player who has become an important piece of Ben Johnson's offense, and one that comes just days before Chicago opens its season against the Carolina Panthers.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears reward D'Andre Swift after career year\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Swift was entering the final season of the three-year, $24 million contract he signed with Chicago in 2024 and was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027. His previous deal carried an $8 million average annual value.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The extension represents a substantial raise, averaging $11.25 million per season in new money.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Swift is coming off the best rushing season of his career. He carried the ball 223 times for 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025, averaging 4.9 yards per attempt. He also caught 34 passes for 299 yards and another touchdown.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>It was Swift's first 1,000-yard rushing season with Chicago and helped the Bears finish with one of the NFL's most productive rushing attacks.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1783354166879-2h8uzp.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4MzM1NDE2Njg3OS0yaDh1enAud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODMzNTQxNjcsImV4cCI6MjA5ODcxNDE2N30.DMi5bo6o-c6NgTi-lO7wXN03-V0mxQPI-ZP_nhou4_k\" alt=\"D'Andre Swift\">\x3Ch2>D'Andre Swift remains a major part of Bears' future\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The timing of the extension is particularly interesting because Chicago already has another promising running back in Kyle Monangai.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Monangai rushed for 783 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie last season, giving the Bears a young and inexpensive complement to Swift.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The new contract makes it clear Chicago doesn't view the situation as an either-or proposition. Swift is 27 and now has security through 2029, while Monangai gives Johnson another productive option in the backfield. Rather than allowing Swift to enter a contract year with his future uncertain, Ryan Poles has locked down the veteran before the season begins.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>It also signals that the Bears intend to maintain continuity around Caleb Williams.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago has invested heavily in its offensive line, has young pass-catchers Colston Loveland, Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III under team control, and now has ensured its starting running back won't reach free agency after the season.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Swift has rushed for 4,775 rushing yards and 38 rushing touchdowns over his six NFL seasons, along with 2,097 receiving yards and nine touchdown catches.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"The Bears have locked up D'Andre Swift through 2029 with a three-year, $33.75 million extension that includes $27.5 million guaranteed.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1787929868425-gmkpx5.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NzkyOTg2ODQyNS1nbWtweDUud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODc5Mjk4NjksImV4cCI6MjEwMzI4OTg2OX0.txGDiC9924SYklOeuEJrn0TAceM7VvQsd0pZjDD2yAQ",photo_credit:null,status:"published",created_at:"2026-09-11T21:32:41.792075+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[18]=["News"],tags:$R[19]=["Bears extension","Ben Johnson","Chicago Bears","D'Andre Swift Bears contract","Kyle Monangai","Ryan Poles"],meta_title:"Chicago Bears make major D'Andre Swift move before Week 1",meta_description:"The Chicago Bears and D'Andre Swift agreed to a three-year, $33.75 million extension with $27.5 million guaranteed before Sunday's season opener",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"D'Andre Swift",reading_time_minutes:2,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[20]={id:"cfdf475f-bf60-4f48-be84-b1e31dd7aba6",wp_post_id:100000000134,title:"NFL.com drops Bears out of top 10 over one troubling Week 1 concern",slug:"chicago-bears-nfl-power-rankings-week-1-2026",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/09/10",published_at:"2026-09-10T14:50:22.797+00:00",updated_at:"2026-09-10T14:50:22.797+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears enter the 2026 season as defending NFC North champions, \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-power-rankings-week-1-2026-nfl-season\">but NFL.com isn't quite ready to consider them one of the league's 10 best teams\x3C/a>.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http://NFL.com\">NFL.com\x3C/a>'s Nick Shook ranked the Bears No. 11 in his Week 1 NFL power rankings, dropping Chicago one spot from its preseason position at No. 10. Shook's primary concern isn't Caleb Williams or Ben Johnson's offense. It's a Bears secondary that has been hit hard by injuries.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"I have questions about the Bears' young receiving corps, though I am much more concerned about their pieced-together secondary following some terrible injury luck early in camp,\" Shook wrote.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>It's a fair concern entering Sunday's opener against the Carolina Panthers.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1787009664307-bjclya.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NzAwOTY2NDMwNy1iamNseWEud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODcwMDk2NjUsImV4cCI6MjEwMjM2OTY2NX0.oVcMiK5SKtVbK3NsC1Po6VKAkDck515GqffjOVvYR5I\" alt=\"Dillon Thieneman\">\x3Ch2>Bears secondary has plenty to prove\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Chicago entered training camp expecting its secondary to be one of the strengths of Dennis Allen's defense. Instead, injuries changed the outlook.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Kyler Gordon is on the reserve/PUP list with a calf injury and will miss at least the opening four games. Gordon is currently working away from the team with his own trainer, with the hope that he'll return to Chicago a few weeks into the season and begin practicing shortly thereafter. Safety Coby Bryant, one of Chicago's biggest offseason additions, is on injured reserve after suffering a knee injury during training camp. The Bears officially moved Bryant to IR on Sept. 1.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That leaves a secondary featuring Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson at cornerback, with rookie Malik Muhammad II and the recently acquired Clark Phillips III among the players providing depth. First-round rookie Dillon Thieneman and veteran Xavier Woods are listed as Chicago's starting safeties.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Shook believes the opening portion of the schedule could quickly determine whether his concern is justified. He pointed specifically to Chicago's first two opposing quarterbacks, Bryce Young and Kyler Murray, writing that he could be convinced the secondary isn't a \"massive issue\" if the Bears can limit both.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears remain \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http://NFL.com\">NFL.com\x3C/a>'s highest-ranked NFC North team\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>There is an encouraging takeaway from the rankings. Chicago is \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http://NFL.com\">NFL.com\x3C/a>'s highest-ranked team in the NFC North.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears sit at No. 11, followed immediately by the Green Bay Packers at No. 12. The Detroit Lions check in at No. 15, while Minnesota is No. 19.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>While it's great that the Bears are beginning the season with the highest expectations in the NFC North, the bigger question is whether Chicago's defense can hold up long enough for some injured players to return while maintaining the top spot in the North.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The offense enters 2026 with enormous expectations. Williams is coming off a franchise-record 3,942 passing yards, while Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland form one of the NFL's youngest collections of primary receiving options.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>It's the other side of the ball that could determine whether Chicago climbs back into \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http://NFL.com\">NFL.com\x3C/a>'s top 10. And the first test comes Sunday.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>If the Bears can go to Carolina and keep Young and the Panthers' offense under control despite their depleted secondary, they'll have an immediate opportunity to answer the biggest question behind their No. 11 ranking.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"The Bears enter the 2026 season ranked No. 11 by NFL.com, with Chicago's injury-depleted secondary standing out as the biggest concern.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1782406169027-5nmw04.jpg?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4MjQwNjE2OTAyNy01bm13MDQuanBnIiwic2NvcGUiOiJkb3dubG9hZCIsImlhdCI6MTc4MjQwNjE2OSwiZXhwIjoyMDk3NzY2MTY5fQ.QBJ8ZASPxHmDA00hV7Q3SDwFDhYky7kXuTd0OKrDPcM",photo_credit:null,status:"published",created_at:"2026-09-10T14:42:49.472004+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[21]=["News"],tags:$R[22]=["Bears Panthers","Bears secondary","Bears Week 1","Caleb Williams","Chicago Bears ranking","Kyler Gordon","NFL power rankings"],meta_title:"NFL.com has one major concern about the Chicago Bears",meta_description:"The Chicago Bears rank No. 11 in NFL.com's Week 1 power rankings, with the team's injury-depleted secondary emerging as the biggest concern.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"chicago bears",reading_time_minutes:2,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[23]={id:"a3be41cf-944c-40da-9547-94c9aee724ac",wp_post_id:100000000133,title:"Bears' first Week 1 injury report reveals new detail about Rome Odunze's injury",slug:"bears-week-1-injury-report-rome-odunze-panthers-2026",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/09/09",published_at:"2026-09-09T22:06:01.161+00:00",updated_at:"2026-09-09T22:06:01.161+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears released their first injury report ahead of Sunday's season opener against the Carolina Panthers, and all eyes will be on Rome Odunze as the week progresses.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago did not practice Wednesday, so the report reflects estimated participation levels based on what each player would have done if the Bears had practiced.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Only three players appeared on the initial report:\x3C/p>\x3Cul>\x3Cli>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>QB Tyson Bagent — back — DNP\x3C/strong>\x3C/p>\x3C/li>\x3Cli>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>WR Rome Odunze — calf — limited\x3C/strong>\x3C/p>\x3C/li>\x3Cli>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>OL Ozzy Trapilo — knee — limited\x3C/strong>\x3C/p>\x3C/li>\x3C/ul>\x3Cp>The biggest development is Odunze being listed as limited with a calf injury, which provides additional clarity after Ben Johnson described the receiver as day-to-day earlier this week.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Rome Odunze's status will be Bears' biggest injury storyline\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Odunze's presence on the report isn't particularly surprising after he left practice last week and sat out Tuesday. Johnson previously confirmed that Odunze's current injury is different from the foot issue he dealt with during the 2025 season. Now, the Bears have officially identified the new injury as a calf issue.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Because Wednesday's participation was estimated, it would be premature to interpret \"limited\" as evidence that Odunze has taken a significant step toward playing Sunday. Thursday's actual practice should provide a much better indication of where he stands.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Odunze is entering an important third season after catching 44 passes for 661 yards and six touchdowns in 12 regular-season games last year.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>His availability would give Caleb Williams the Bears' expected receiving trio of Odunze, Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland for the opener.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1786719045192-huevtj.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NjcxOTA0NTE5Mi1odWV2dGoud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODY3MTkwNDYsImV4cCI6MjEwMjA3OTA0Nn0.DmAFl1hQgpug8gb9ISHgrwtuJ9lOEAjjg7OqZ_QDeVY\" alt=\"Tyson Bagent Bears injury report\">\x3Ch2>Tyson Bagent is the only estimated DNP\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Bagent's back injury is another situation worth monitoring.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears estimated that their backup quarterback would not have practiced Wednesday. Case Keenum gives the Bears an experienced option behind Williams if Bagent's back issue lingers.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Trapilo, meanwhile, was listed as limited because of a knee injury.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Braxton Jones has already been named Chicago's starting left tackle for Week 1, but Johnson emphasized that the Bears will continue evaluating the position. Trapilo is listed behind Jones on Chicago's depth chart.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>For now, the most encouraging part of the first report might simply be its length. Chicago listed only three injured players, and two were estimated as limited participants.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That said, the real injury updates begin arriving Thursday. That's when we'll get the Bears' first actual participation report of Week 1 — and potentially a much better indication of whether Odunze is trending toward playing against Carolina.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"The Bears listed three players on Wednesday's estimated injury report, including Rome Odunze, whose injury has now been identified ahead of Sunday's Panthers game.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1786549187478-2ty379.jpg?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NjU0OTE4NzQ3OC0ydHkzNzkuanBnIiwic2NvcGUiOiJkb3dubG9hZCIsImlhdCI6MTc4NjU0OTE4OCwiZXhwIjoyMTAxOTA5MTg4fQ.0RxMnxUNicFsFSRbEBVZHfuEGZZNTD0tX3y6_abHlPo",photo_credit:null,status:"published",created_at:"2026-09-09T21:59:56.316377+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[24]=["News"],tags:$R[25]=["Bears injuries","Bears Panthers injury report","Chicago Bears Week 1","Ozzy Trapilo injury","Rome Odunze injury","Tyson Bagent injury"],meta_title:"Bears' first injury report brings key Rome Odunze update",meta_description:"The Chicago Bears released their first injury report ahead of Sunday's season opener against the Carolina Panthers, and all eyes will be on Rome Odunze as…",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Chicago Bears",reading_time_minutes:2,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[26]={id:"dfd37208-1ea8-4fc8-b62a-9f5fb21005e3",wp_post_id:100000000132,title:"Bears fans shouldn't make this mistake when judging the Panthers in Week 1",slug:"bears-panthers-week-1-carolina-team-preview-2026",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/09/08",published_at:"2026-09-08T22:13:18.867+00:00",updated_at:"2026-09-08T22:13:18.867+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>Anyone expecting the Chicago Bears to walk into Charlotte and steamroll the Carolina Panthers because of their recent reputation might want to refresh their timeline. These aren't the Panthers who finished 2-15 in Bryce Young's rookie season.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Carolina quietly made significant progress last year, going 8-9, winning the NFC South and reaching the playoffs in Dave Canales' second season as coach.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Now the Panthers will open 2026 at home against a Bears team with much larger expectations. Chicago deserves to be the favorites. But Carolina deserves its attention.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bryce Young has quietly made progress\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Young's NFL career didn't begin the way Carolina envisioned when it selected him No. 1 overall in 2023. But after three seasons, there's evidence that he's moving in the right direction.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Young threw 11 touchdown passes as a rookie in 2023 before increasing that total to 15 in 2024. Last season, he took another step, throwing 23 touchdown passes while completing 63.6% of his attempts for 3,011 yards. His passer rating has climbed in each season, from 73.7 in 2023 to 82.2 in 2024 and 87.8 in 2025.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Those numbers don't put Young among the NFL's elite quarterbacks, but the trajectory matters. The Bears aren't facing the same inexperienced quarterback who struggled through his rookie season. Young enters 2026 with three years of NFL experience and a supporting cast that includes a legitimate No. 1 receiver.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Tetairoa McMillan produced 1,014 receiving yards last season to lead Carolina, while Jalen Coker returns after finishing second among Panthers wide receivers in receiving yards.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Carolina also added veteran tight end Darren Waller, giving Young another experienced option as he enters his fourth NFL season.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Panthers enter Week 1 with significant offensive-line questions\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The biggest issue facing Carolina might be what's happening up front. Veteran right tackle Taylor Moton is on the reserve/non-football illness list after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his lung during the offseason. The Panthers said in July that the treatment would cause Moton to miss regular-season time.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu is on reserve/PUP, meaning he will miss at least the opening portion of the season.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Carolina prepared for that possibility by signing veteran Rasheed Walker and selecting Georgia tackle Monroe Freeling in the first round.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Those absences nevertheless create uncertainty at an important position heading into Week 1. And that matters for a Bears defense that needs more production from its pass rush in 2026. \x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Carolina's defense has recognizable talent\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The Panthers defense will give the Bears a very real challenge, too.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Derrick Brown remains the centerpiece up front, while Jaycee Horn intercepted five passes last season. Carolina also added linebacker Devin Lloyd and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips during an offseason spent reshaping the defense.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>There have been losses, too. Second-year edge rusher Nic Scourton, who tied for Carolina's team lead with five sacks in 2025, suffered a knee injury on the first day of training camp and was placed on injured reserve.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears are getting a better Panthers team than the name suggests\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The Panthers were outscored by 69 points last season despite winning their division. They produced 5,025 offensive yards while allowing 5,563. They're definitely not an NFC powerhouse.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But they're also no longer an automatic victory.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears should still expect to leave Charlotte 1-0. They just shouldn't expect Carolina to make it easy.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Carolina isn't the same team Bears fans remember. Bryce Young and the defending NFC South champions present a legitimate Week 1 test for Chicago.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1786551314954-mwsweq.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NjU1MTMxNDk1NC1td3N3ZXEud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODY1NTEzMTUsImV4cCI6MjEwMTkxMTMxNX0.SLoB9hSqouNeklW_-t3mVqYOHcHwYryksFB3w900cvA",photo_credit:null,status:"published",created_at:"2026-09-08T22:03:35.621694+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[27]=["News"],tags:$R[28]=["Bears Panthers","Bears Week 1","Bryce Young","Caleb Williams","Carolina Panthers 2026","Dave Canales"],meta_title:"Bears fans shouldn't overlook what's changed in Carolina",meta_description:"Carolina isn't the same team Bears fans remember. Bryce Young and the defending NFC South champions present a legitimate Week 1 test for the Chicago Bears.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Chicago Bears",reading_time_minutes:3,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[29]={id:"3c5fa3b1-fc27-45c8-852d-6d0fb0737a84",wp_post_id:100000000131,title:"Bears Week 1 depth chart reveals several intriguing decisions before Panthers opener",slug:"bears-week-1-depth-chart-panthers-2026",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/09/08",published_at:"2026-09-08T17:58:03.098+00:00",updated_at:"2026-09-08T17:58:03.098+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears' Week 1 depth chart is (\x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://x.com/ChrisEmma1/status/2097381924452856272?s=20\">unofficially\x3C/a>) set ahead of Sunday's season opener against the Carolina Panthers, and it provides a clearer picture of how Ben Johnson's roster will line up entering the 2026 season.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The most notable decision comes at left tackle, where Braxton Jones is listed as the starter ahead of Ozzy Trapilo. Johnson confirmed Tuesday that Jones will open the season protecting Caleb Williams' blind side, although he emphasized that the Bears will continue evaluating the position.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Elsewhere on offense, there aren't many surprises. D'Andre Swift remains RB1 ahead of Kyle Monangai, while Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III headline the receiving corps. Kalif Raymond is listed behind Odunze, with rookie Zavion Thomas behind Raymond.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Odunze's placement atop the depth chart doesn't guarantee he'll play Sunday. Johnson said Tuesday that the third-year receiver is day-to-day and won't practice Tuesday because of an injury that is different from the foot problem he battled last season.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>At tight end, Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland are both listed as starters, an indication of how important Chicago's talented tandem remains entering Johnson's second season running the offense.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1788889969544-1u6qb2.png?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4ODg4OTk2OTU0NC0xdTZxYjIucG5nIiwic2NvcGUiOiJkb3dubG9hZCIsImlhdCI6MTc4ODg4OTk3MCwiZXhwIjoyMTA0MjQ5OTcwfQ.t-sN2pmNqdCuIJE1SjjpH-JL6ZjmbIZB2RDMO_ERrK8\" alt=\"Bears Depth Chart\">\x3Cp>Chris Emma on X\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears depth chart reveals interesting defensive decisions\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The defensive depth chart features Dillon Thieneman and Xavier Woods as the starting safeties, while Cam Lewis is listed as a starting defensive back.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>At cornerback, Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson Sr. sit atop the depth chart, with rookie Malik Muhammad II behind Stevenson and Clark Phillips III behind Johnson.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Kyler Gordon is absent while on injured reserve with a calf injury. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that Gordon is working away from the team with his own trainer, with the plan for him to return to the Bears a few weeks into the season before beginning to practice.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The defensive front reflects Chicago's post-Gervon Dexter lineup. Montez Sweat, Grady Jarrett, Kentavius Street and Dayo Odeyingbo are listed as the starters, while rookie Jordan van den Berg appears behind Street.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>T.J. Edwards and Devin Bush are Chicago's starting linebackers.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Special teams contains another interesting note. Kalif Raymond is listed as the Bears' primary kick and punt returner, with Thomas behind him at both spots. Thomas showcased his return ability during the preseason finale against Tennessee, but Raymond remains first in line entering Week 1.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>As always, an early-season depth chart shouldn't be confused with guaranteed snaps. Still, with Chicago's offseason finally over, this is the group the Bears are taking into Carolina as they begin their defense of the NFC North title Sunday at Bank of America Stadium. The game kicks off at noon CT.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"The Bears shared an unofficial Week 1 depth chart for Carolina, with notable decisions involving Braxton Jones, the secondary and Chicago's return game.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1787500105199-z53ufb.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NzUwMDEwNTE5OS16NTN1ZmIud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODc1MDAxMDYsImV4cCI6MjEwMjg2MDEwNn0.qF4b-EhzVg5VKu9FeAYZfig7Iqcqc7lKJDafwQp06mg",photo_credit:null,status:"published",created_at:"2026-09-08T17:51:50.337236+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[30]=["News"],tags:$R[31]=["Bears depth chart","Bears Panthers","Bears Week 1","Braxton Jones","Caleb Williams","Dillon Thieneman","Kalif Raymond"],meta_title:"Bears depth chart reveals several notable Week 1 decisions",meta_description:"The Chicago Bears' Week 1 depth chart is set ahead of Sunday's season opener against the Carolina Panthers, and it provides a clearer picture of how Ben…",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Chicago Bears",reading_time_minutes:2,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1}]},ssr:!0}],lastMatchId:" $year $month $day $slug 2022 07 30 doug-kramer-lucas-patrick-chicago-bears-training-camp"})($R["tsr"]);$_TSR.e();document.currentScript.remove()
