Dazz Newsome dubbed Bears training camp riser by Pro Football Focus

But after the first bundle of padded practices, the Chicago Bears' wide receivers have thinned. Injuries are piling up. Pringle's quad has him sidelined. Harry has a high-ankle sprain. David Moore went down Tuesday with a lower-body injury. Jones Jr. has been out of camp for a few days, too.

That leaves Newsome, all 5-11 and 190 pounds of him, as one of quarterback Justin Fields' primary targets in practice. And according to Pro Football Focus (and with help from NBC Sports Chicago's Josh Schrock), he's taking full advantage of the increased reps.

"A 2021 sixth-round pick out of UNC, Newsome has been one of the lone bright spots for Chicago at wide receiver in training camp," PFF's Doug Kyed wrote. "He was also taking punt return reps in Tuesday’s practice. Bears wideouts Velus Jones, Byron Pringle and \x3Cp>But after the first bundle of padded practices, the Chicago Bears' wide receivers have thinned. Injuries are piling up. Pringle's quad has him sidelined. Harry has a high-ankle sprain. David Moore went down Tuesday with a lower-body injury. Jones Jr. has been out of camp for a few days, too.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That leaves Newsome, all 5-11 and 190 pounds of him, as one of quarterback Justin Fields' primary targets in practice. And according to \x3Ca href=\"https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-risers-fallers-2022-training-camp#CHI\">Pro Football Focus\x3C/a> (and with help from NBC Sports Chicago's Josh Schrock), he's taking full advantage of the increased reps.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"A 2021 sixth-round pick out of UNC, Newsome has been one of the lone bright spots for Chicago at wide receiver in training camp,\" PFF's Doug Kyed wrote. \"He was also taking punt return reps in Tuesday’s practice. Bears wideouts Velus Jones, Byron Pringle and \x3Ca href='https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/nkeal-harry/48297\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">N’\x3C/a>K\x3Ca href=\"https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/nkeal-harry/48297\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">eal Harry\x3C/a> weren’t practicing Tuesday, and David Moore was carted off the field.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Despite having a pro season on his resume, 2022 is like another trip through a rookie season for Newsome. He was targeted just five times in 2021, catching two of them for \x3Ca href='https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NewsDa00.htm\">23 yards\x3C/a>. He appeared in three games and earned a forgettable 48.1 grade from PFF. His failure to make any sort of impact last year put his roster status on shaky ground this summer. Despite PFF's optimistic spin on Newsome's training camp so far, he's still listed among the bundle of fourth-string wide receivers on the first unofficial Chicago Bears depth chart. He is the starting punt returner, however.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Opportunity is often the key to unlocking a successful NFL career. Dazz Newsome will get his in the preseason opener on August 13 against the Kansas City Chiefs. If he makes a few splash plays, his odds of being a factor in the regular season will go way up.\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 wide receiver Dazz Newsome has been an afterthought in any discussion about the team's wideouts. As a sixth-round pick ...",featured_image_url:"/api/public/media/2025/07/Untitled-design-25-1-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","dazz-newsome","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:"\x3Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\x3Ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzgjdBeDtnsR2Okc7rosrFA\">\x3Cimg src=\"img/legacy/Bears-Talk-original.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4618\">\x3C/img>\x3C/a>\x3Ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzgjdBeDtnsR2Okc7rosrFA\">Subscribe to Bears Talk on Youtube!\x3C/a>\x3C/figure>\x3Cp>Chicago Bears wide receiver Dazz Newsome has been an afterthought in any discussion about the team's wideouts. As a sixth-round pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, Newsome's chance to make a splash this season appeared erased when general manager Ryan Poles signed veterans Byron Pringle and Equanimeous St. Brown. His selection of Velus Jones Jr. in the third round of 2022's draft, and his trade for N'Keal Harry, pushed Newsome down the depth chart even further.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But after the first bundle of padded practices, the Chicago Bears' wide receivers have thinned. Injuries are piling up. Pringle's quad has him sidelined. Harry has a high-ankle sprain. David Moore went down Tuesday with a lower-body injury. Jones Jr. has been out of camp for a few days, too.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That leaves Newsome, all 5-11 and 190 pounds of him, as one of quarterback Justin Fields' primary targets in practice. And according to \x3Ca href=\"https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-risers-fallers-2022-training-camp#CHI\">Pro Football Focus\x3C/a> (and with help from NBC Sports Chicago's Josh Schrock), he's taking full advantage of the increased reps.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"A 2021 sixth-round pick out of UNC, Newsome has been one of the lone bright spots for Chicago at wide receiver in training camp,\" PFF's Doug Kyed wrote. \"He was also taking punt return reps in Tuesday’s practice. Bears wideouts Velus Jones, Byron Pringle and \x3Ca href='https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/nkeal-harry/48297\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">N’\x3C/a>K\x3Ca href=\"https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/nkeal-harry/48297\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">eal Harry\x3C/a> weren’t practicing Tuesday, and David Moore was carted off the field.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Despite having a pro season on his resume, 2022 is like another trip through a rookie season for Newsome. He was targeted just five times in 2021, catching two of them for \x3Ca href='https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NewsDa00.htm\">23 yards\x3C/a>. He appeared in three games and earned a forgettable 48.1 grade from PFF. His failure to make any sort of impact last year put his roster status on shaky ground this summer. Despite PFF's optimistic spin on Newsome's training camp so far, he's still listed among the bundle of fourth-string wide receivers on the first unofficial Chicago Bears depth chart. He is the starting punt returner, however.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Opportunity is often the key to unlocking a successful NFL career. Dazz Newsome will get his in the preseason opener on August 13 against the Kansas City Chiefs. If he makes a few splash plays, his odds of being a factor in the regular season will go way up.\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:"6ad88e48-2eb9-44a2-904f-18813ad9c4e5",wp_post_id:100000000112,title:"Roger Goodell drops surprising Bears stadium update as Indiana move gains momentum",slug:"bears-stadium-update-roger-goodell-arlington-heights-indiana",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/08/27",published_at:"2026-08-27T13:41:14.476+00:00",updated_at:"2026-08-27T13:41:14.476+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>Just when it appeared the Chicago Bears were headed across the state line to Indiana, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has added another twist to the franchise's seemingly endless stadium saga.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Goodell confirmed Wednesday that he recently met with Illinois lawmakers regarding the Bears' pursuit of a new stadium, \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/bell/2026/08/26/bears-new-stadium-illinois-indiana-roger-goodell/91483838007/\">according to USA Today's Jarrett Bell\x3C/a>. More importantly, the commissioner made it clear that Arlington Heights remains an option alongside Hammond, Indiana.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That's noteworthy considering what Bears president and CEO Kevin Warren said just two weeks ago.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"Our sole focus at this point in time is working on a world-class stadium and mixed-use development in Hammond, Indiana,\" Warren said on Aug. 13.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The NFL isn't ready to close the door on Illinois just yet.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Goodell says Bears still looking at Arlington Heights and Indiana\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Goodell was asked about the stadium situation following Wednesday's NFL owners meeting in Atlanta.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"There's no specific timetable from my standpoint, other than we know that they are looking at the alternate groups, Indiana or Arlington Heights,\" Goodell said. \"We want to make sure that Arlington Heights and Illinois have an opportunity, as well as Indiana, to put their best foot forward.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears announced in June that their board had voted to advance the stadium development project in Hammond. Earlier this month, Warren doubled down on Indiana as the team's \"sole focus.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears have already completed due diligence on the Lost Marsh site in Hammond and determined it is viable. They're also evaluating the nearby Wolf Lake Terminal property, and Warren has said it's possible the two sites could ultimately be incorporated into the project together.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But Goodell isn't talking like Arlington Heights is dead. Quite the opposite, actually.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1787838043751-6eslpj.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NzgzODA0Mzc1MS02ZXNscGoud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODc4MzgwNDUsImV4cCI6MjEwMzE5ODA0NX0.99rJIAnDqrlSHikyqIrKgsRjj_GQuwAXQ2c73w480Fc\" alt=\"Roger Goodell Chicago Bears\">\x3Cp>Richard Heathcole/Getty Images\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Goodell met with Illinois lawmakers about Bears stadium\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The most important stadium development is Goodell's involvement. The commissioner confirmed that he recently met with select Illinois lawmakers. The meeting had previously been reported, but Goodell publicly acknowledged it for the first time Wednesday.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Goodell downplayed the idea that his involvement should be viewed as unusual.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"I'm involved in a lot of stadium efforts,\" Goodell said. \"It's not unusual for me to be involved in conversations with either public officials or others.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears have spent months expressing frustration over their inability to secure the public infrastructure assistance and legislative framework necessary to make their Arlington Heights vision work. The Bears own 326 acres at the former Arlington International Racecourse, property the organization purchased in 2023. But Illinois lawmakers adjourned their spring session without the House taking up legislation that could have helped clear a path for the project.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That helped push the Bears toward Indiana.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Now the NFL commissioner is personally speaking with Illinois lawmakers while publicly stressing that Illinois should have an opportunity to make its best offer.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>At minimum, Illinois isn't out of this fight.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears have said Hammond is their focus\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>It's important not to take Goodell's comments too far. There has been no announcement that the Bears have reversed course. In fact, Warren and Bears chairman George McCaskey publicly reiterated their commitment to exploring Hammond earlier this month.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears have conducted extensive studies of the Indiana properties, including topographical, geographical and environmental work, while examining financing and the land necessary for the stadium and surrounding development. They've moved well beyond simply using Indiana as a theoretical alternative.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But they also haven't started building anything. And until that happens — or until the Bears formally commit to one location — Arlington Heights remains alive.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears stadium decision remains wide open\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>There was a point this summer when the Bears appeared to be approaching a final decision. That hasn't happened. And Goodell offered no new timetable Wednesday.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Instead, the latest development creates an interesting disconnect between the team's public messaging and the NFL commissioner's comments. Warren says Hammond is the Bears' sole focus. Goodell says the Bears are looking at \"Indiana or Arlington Heights\" and wants both sides to have the opportunity to put their best foot forward.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Both things can be true at the same time. The Bears can continue aggressively developing the Hammond option while the league works to determine whether Illinois can finally produce an acceptable alternative.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>After years of stadium proposals, legislative battles, and changing locations, perhaps Bears fans should know better than to assume anything is final. This saga has another chapter left.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"The Bears have publicly focused on Hammond, Indiana, but Roger Goodell's latest comments make it clear Arlington Heights isn't out of the stadium race.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1786642686933-a5kk76.jpg?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NjY0MjY4NjkzMy1hNWtrNzYuanBnIiwic2NvcGUiOiJkb3dubG9hZCIsImlhdCI6MTc4NjY0MjY4OCwiZXhwIjoyMTAyMDAyNjg4fQ.4qcPL6Qfd3ERz-HI1mQ_t552LMdFEBicACZEeBUvlPM",photo_credit:null,status:"published",created_at:"2026-08-27T13:28:21.277276+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]=["chicaog bears","stadium"],meta_title:"Roger Goodell adds twist to Chicago Bears' stadium plans",meta_description:"The Bears have publicly focused on Hammond, Indiana, but Roger Goodell's latest comments make it clear Arlington Heights isn't out of the stadium race.",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:!0},$R[20]={id:"187dce30-54e7-4d04-8811-0036fe4b8c56",wp_post_id:100000000111,title:"Cole Kmet explains why Bears opponents may have no good answer for Colston Loveland",slug:"cole-kmet-colston-loveland-bears-matchup-nightmare",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/08/26",published_at:"2026-08-26T22:38:40.66+00:00",updated_at:"2026-08-26T22:38:40.66+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears already know what Colston Loveland can do as a receiver. Now, entering his second NFL season, the possibilities for how Ben Johnson can deploy him are becoming even more intriguing.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Just ask Cole Kmet.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Speaking to Bears reporters on Tuesday, the veteran tight end explained why Loveland presents such a difficult matchup for opposing defenses, and why simply changing personnel to account for him could create another problem.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"It's tough because those DB bodies are not big enough to cover him, and he's definitely elusive and faster than a lot of linebackers you're going to see in the NFL,\" \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://x.com/ChiBearsMuse/status/2092414529451839598?s=20\">Kmet said\x3C/a>. \"So it's going to be tough. I'll be interested to see how teams go about it.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1786375416911-qjwcws.jpg?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NjM3NTQxNjkxMS1xandjd3MuanBnIiwic2NvcGUiOiJkb3dubG9hZCIsImlhdCI6MTc4NjM3NTQyMCwiZXhwIjoyMTAxNzM1NDIwfQ.tmNs2GMxUIh9PD-dux8SiQMcVM4lHHw5Uxp4730V2dk\" alt=\"Colston Loveland Bears\">\x3Ch2>Colston Loveland will put defenses in a bind\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The Bears don't necessarily need Loveland to dominate every individual matchup for his presence to affect the offense. They just need defenses to make a choice.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"You for sure don't want the backer on him, you don't want the safety,\" Kmet said. \"If they go small on us, we're going to run it down your throat. He's definitely a weapon that opens up a lot of things for the offense.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Put a linebacker across from Loveland, and the Bears can exploit the obvious advantage they have in his quickness and route-running ability. Match him with a smaller defensive back, and Chicago gains an advantage in the running game.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>With Ben Johnson calling plays? Lookout.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears can put both tight ends on the field without necessarily tipping their hand about whether they're running or passing. Johnson can move Loveland around the formation, create favorable matchups, and force defenses to decide whether they want to counter Chicago's personnel with size or speed.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1786375539822-4yczaq.jpg?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NjM3NTUzOTgyMi00eWN6YXEuanBnIiwic2NvcGUiOiJkb3dubG9hZCIsImlhdCI6MTc4NjM3NTU0MCwiZXhwIjoyMTAxNzM1NTQwfQ.cGLCuoOkVXTkZCdCICBz7lHkbjHw2lgMfqONtNTCYsU\" alt=\"Colston Loveland\">\x3Ch2>Loveland could take another step in Year 2\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Loveland already provided plenty of evidence as a rookie that he can become a major part of Chicago's passing game. He was the team's best pass-catcher to close the season, and there's a valid argument that he was the best pass-catching tight end in the league over his final four games.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>All signs from training camp point to Loveland being even better in 2026. He's consistently generated positive reviews throughout the summer, including from Rome Odunze, who described Loveland as a \"rare diamond,\" praising his route running, blocking, and versatility.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Kmet's comments take it a step further.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Loveland isn't simply another talented target for Williams. His skill set can potentially dictate how a defense chooses to match Chicago's personnel. And that's precisely the kind of chess piece Johnson wants.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Cole Kmet explained the matchup dilemma Colston Loveland creates and why the second-year Bears tight end could unlock even more of Ben Johnson's offense.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1787783797930-3dzt39.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4Nzc4Mzc5NzkzMC0zZHp0Mzkud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODc3ODM3OTgsImV4cCI6MjEwMzE0Mzc5OH0.MQsbC7auWEZc-wg7GrLElE9ThFr5pyBAEXo-Fa5sT5Q",photo_credit:"Kara Durrette/GettyImages",status:"published",created_at:"2026-08-26T22:30:41.418997+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:$R[22]=["chicago bears","cole kmet","colston loveland"],meta_title:"Cole Kmet reveals Bears' Colston Loveland matchup problem",meta_description:"Cole Kmet explained the matchup dilemma Colston Loveland creates and why the second-year Bears tight end could unlock even more of Ben Johnson's offense.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"colston loveland",reading_time_minutes:2,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[23]={id:"ca422d19-7dc0-4455-ac0c-54e4324fce23",wp_post_id:100000000110,title:"Bears get big injury boost as Luther Burden III finally returns to practice",slug:"bears-luther-burden-injury-update-return-practice",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/08/26",published_at:"2026-08-26T18:03:14.92+00:00",updated_at:"2026-08-26T18:03:14.92+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears received a pair of encouraging injury updates Wednesday, but one was particularly important with Week 1 approaching.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Luther Burden III returned to the practice field for the first time since suffering a groin injury on Aug. 8.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://x.com/CourtneyRCronin/status/2092659821954596928?s=20\">Burden participated in individual drills Wednesday\x3C/a> before heading inside when the Bears transitioned to 7-on-7 work. It was only a limited return, but getting the second-year receiver back onto the field represents a significant step in his recovery.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Meanwhile, right tackle Darnell Wright was back at practice after leaving Tuesday's workout early with an elbow concern.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Luther Burden takes important step toward Week 1 return\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Burden's return is the bigger development because of how much time he's already missed.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The injury occurred during the Bears' Aug. 8 training camp practice and has kept Burden sidelined throughout the preseason. Before the injury, Burden had been one of Chicago's most impressive offensive players during the offseason and early stages of camp.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Ben Johnson was already praising Burden during OTAs, even declaring in May that he was \"buying Luther Burden stock\" after seeing significant improvement from the second-year receiver.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Now the question becomes how quickly Burden can progress from individual work to full-team participation.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears don't need to rush him through the final days of the preseason. Getting him healthy for the regular season is obviously more important than getting him snaps in Saturday's preseason finale against the Tennessee Titans.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Still, Wednesday was the first tangible sign that Burden is getting closer.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Darnell Wright returns after elbow concern\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Wright's return should also ease some nerves.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears' star right tackle left Tuesday's practice early because of an elbow issue, but his presence Wednesday suggests the concern may not be significant.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That's important for an offensive line that already has uncertainty at left tackle. Ben Johnson said Tuesday that the Bears still aren't \"100% sold\" on who will start there in Week 1. Wright is the opposite.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The former first-round pick earned second-team All-Pro honors last season and signed a four-year extension earlier this month that keeps him under contract through 2031.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears need him anchoring the right side while they figure out what's happening on the left.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>With the regular-season opener getting closer, Wednesday offered exactly the kind of injury news Chicago needed: Wright is back, and Burden has finally taken his first step back onto the practice field.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Luther Burden III returned to the Bears practice field Wednesday for the first time since his groin injury, while Darnell Wright also delivered good news.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1785177404572-l1nhq3.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NTE3NzQwNDU3Mi1sMW5ocTMud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODUxNzc0MDUsImV4cCI6MjEwMDUzNzQwNX0.YvKswTyE5R1IP74IpAl5I4x6DbptlId44F2TllJ7BXM",photo_credit:null,status:"published",created_at:"2026-08-26T17:59:34.00596+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]=["chicago bears","darnell wright","luther burden"],meta_title:"Chicago Bears get encouraging Luther Burden injury update",meta_description:"Luther Burden III returned to the Bears practice field Wednesday for the first time since his groin injury, while Darnell Wright also delivered good news.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Luther Burden",reading_time_minutes:2,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[26]={id:"785f43c9-c721-4770-a81f-0e11f00775b8",wp_post_id:100000000109,title:"Ben Johnson's latest Bears left tackle update raises concern with Week 1 approaching",slug:"chicago-bears-left-tackle-starter-ben-johnson-week-1-2026",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/08/25",published_at:"2026-08-25T17:46:44.61+00:00",updated_at:"2026-08-25T17:46:44.61+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears have one preseason game remaining, and Ben Johnson still doesn't know who will protect Caleb Williams' blind side when the regular season begins.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Johnson acknowledged Tuesday that left tackle remains one of the Bears' biggest unresolved issues, \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://x.com/BradBiggs/status/2092301694990270466?s=20\">according to Brad Biggs of the \x3Cem>Chicago Tribune\x3C/em>\x3C/a>.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"It's a hot spot for us,\" Johnson said of the position, adding that the Bears are not 100% sold on who will start at left tackle in Week 1.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago has spent essentially the entire summer searching for an answer, and while Braxton Jones recently appeared to move into the lead, Johnson isn't quite ready to declare the competition over.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1785160339180-lj9sqf.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NTE2MDMzOTE4MC1sajlzcWYud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODUxNjAzMzksImV4cCI6MjEwMDUyMDMzOX0.FiUS30Q_IiwJFyKmamG_rP-TKWMN1wYonwHmOwVqcoI\" alt=\"Braxton Jones\">\x3Ch2>Braxton Jones hasn't secured Bears' left tackle job\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Jones returned to first-team left tackle duties last week, with Theo Benedet moving to the second team. Johnson said at the time that the competition remained \"wide open.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Saturday's preseason loss to the Cincinnati Bengals didn't provide Jones with the statement performance he needed.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Jones started with the first-team offense but was called for holding on Chicago's opening possession. The penalty erased a Roschon Johnson run that would have given the Bears first-and-goal from the Cincinnati 7-yard line. Instead, the drive stalled and ended with a Cairo Santos field goal.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That one penalty won't determine the competition, but it didn't help Jones seize a job that remains unsettled. His struggles against power rushers didn't help, either.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Consistency is what Johnson is looking for. Earlier in camp, the Bears coach said he wanted to identify the tackle who could most consistently handle defensive ends one-on-one and execute the backside responsibilities in Chicago's wide-zone running game.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>So far, no good.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears have a big few days ahead at left tackle\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Jones and Benedet have emerged as the primary contenders recently, while Jedrick Wills Jr. and Kiran Amegadjie were moved to the right side after Johnson reshuffled the competition. Ozzy Trapilo's remarkable recovery has added another variable, although it's unclear whether Trapilo is \x3Cem>really\x3C/em> in the competition yet.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>I'd expect the 2025 second-round pick to emerge sometime closer to the end of September.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears close the preseason against the Tennessee Titans, giving Johnson one final opportunity to evaluate his options before the season kicks off for real against the Carolina Panthers on September 13.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago's offensive line otherwise has plenty of stability. Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and Darnell Wright are fantastic, and Garrett Bradbury is a solid addition after Drew Dalman's sudden retirement.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Unfortunately, left tackle remains the big question.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Johnson calling the position a \"hot spot\" this close to the regular season makes one thing clear: Braxton Jones may be leading the competition, but he hasn't won it.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Ben Johnson says the Chicago Bears still aren't sold on their starting left tackle, leaving a critical competition unresolved with Week 1 approaching.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1786032756275-c9bxx0.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NjAzMjc1NjI3NS1jOWJ4eDAud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODYwMzI3NTcsImV4cCI6MjEwMTM5Mjc1N30.k7Bo8voVXs7-9zAI9yY-m59cL-KOaUsMJrN1vnhYQVA",photo_credit:null,status:"published",created_at:"2026-08-25T17:38:23.078636+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:$R[28]=["braxton jones","chicago bears","ozzy trapilo"],meta_title:"Bears still haven't settled crucial Week 1 starting job",meta_description:"Ben Johnson says the Chicago Bears still aren't sold on their starting left tackle, leaving a critical competition unresolved with Week 1 approaching.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Chicago Bears",reading_time_minutes:2,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[29]={id:"61967652-dbb2-4f26-9fe2-4ed02f28d289",wp_post_id:100000000108,title:"Bears projected to take a step back in 2026 despite Caleb Williams-led offense",slug:"chicago-bears-projected-wins-2026-the-athletic",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/08/25",published_at:"2026-08-25T15:26:45.44+00:00",updated_at:"2026-08-25T15:26:45.44+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>Expectations surrounding the Chicago Bears have changed dramatically in one year. After an 11-win season, an NFC North championship, and a playoff victory in Ben Johnson's first season, Chicago enters 2026 facing a different question. \x3C/p>\x3Cp>It's no longer whether the Bears are capable of contending for a playoff spot. It's whether they're ready to make the jump from playoff team to legitimate Super Bowl contender.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Athletic isn't quite ready to put them there.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7532934/2026/08/25/nfl-2026-win-totals-projections-analysis/\">In its projections for every NFL team's 2026 win total\x3C/a>, The Athletic projects the Bears for 9.6 victories and labels that number \"just right.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Kevin Fishbain's assessment essentially divides the Bears into two categories: an offense that has significantly raised Chicago's floor and a defense that could determine just how high the ceiling goes.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson give Bears a high floor\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The strongest argument for another successful Bears season starts with Johnson and Caleb Williams.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"The Ben Johnson-Caleb Williams duo with this offensive line and skill players has raised the floor in Chicago,\" Fishbain wrote.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That's the reality entering Year 2 of Johnson's offense. Chicago isn't hoping Williams suddenly becomes a franchise quarterback or wondering whether Johnson's system will translate. The Bears already won 11 games last season and captured the North.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Now they return Williams with an offense featuring D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai in the backfield, Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III at receiver, and Colston Loveland at tight end.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The offensive line could be the team's biggest strength, too. Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson and Darnell Wright return, while Garrett Bradbury has taken over for the retired Drew Dalman at center.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That's why Fishbain considers a significant Bears collapse unlikely, writing that \"winning fewer than eight games seems unlikely.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The real issue is whether the defense prevents Chicago from getting back to 11 wins, or exceeding that total.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears defense is keeping expectations in check\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The only thing holding the Bears back in 2026 is the defense.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago has already lost safety Coby Bryant for an extended period following knee surgery. Kyler Gordon's status remains uncertain as he works his way back, creating additional questions in the secondary.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>And, uh, there's no pass rush.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That was already one of Chicago's biggest concerns entering the offseason, and nothing about the preseason has completely eliminated it. The Bears recently added veteran Marcus Davenport, while young defensive linemen Jordan van den Berg and Jamree Kromah have provided encouraging flashes.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"The defensive questions — from health to pass rush — lower the ceiling,\" Fishbain wrote.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That's probably the best way to frame the 2026 Bears. The offense provides enough stability that another disastrous season would be surprising. But the defensive front and secondary have enough uncertainty to make projecting another NFC North championship difficult.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Are the Bears better than a 9.6-win team?\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>A 9.6-win expectation represents a noticeable step backward from Chicago's 11-6 record last season. That doesn't necessarily mean The Athletic believes the Bears themselves have regressed. Win projections account for the difficulty of reproducing the results of a previous season, and Chicago enters 2026 with significantly higher expectations than it did one year ago.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Still, anything around nine or 10 victories would probably feel somewhat disappointing after what Johnson and Williams accomplished in Year 1 together.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears shouldn't be viewed as a finished product. Fishbain believes they're \"probably another playoff appearance away\" from joining the NFL's upper tier of Super Bowl contenders. And that's fair.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But the offense also gives Chicago a chance to accelerate that timeline.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>If Williams makes another Year 2 jump in Johnson's system, Odunze, Burden and Loveland develop as expected, and the offensive line remains one of the league's better units, the Bears could have one of the NFC's most dangerous offenses.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Then everything comes back to the defense.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>If Dennis Allen can generate a more consistent pass rush and Chicago survives its early secondary injuries, 9.6 wins could ultimately look conservative.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"The Athletic projects the Bears for 9.6 wins after an 11-win season, with Chicago's defensive concerns keeping expectations in check.",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:"2026-08-25T15:11:53.144214+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]=["2026 nfl season","chicago bears","season predictions","win total"],meta_title:"The Athletic's Bears 2026 win projection raises questions",meta_description:"The Athletic projects the Chicago Bears for 9.6 wins after an 11-win season, with Chicago's defensive concerns keeping expectations for 2026 in check.",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}]},ssr:!0}],lastMatchId:"$year$month$day$slug20220810dazz-newsome-chicago-bears-training-camp-pro-football-focus"})($R["tsr"]);$_TSR.e();document.currentScript.remove()