The NFL has bewilderingly scheduled the Chicago Bears for a Thursday night preseason game at Seattle against the Seahawks, just a few days after the Bears played the Kansas City Chiefs in their preseason opener. Coach Matt Eberflus has already decided that the starters will only play six to 10 reps, so this game already feels like it could get ugly, early.
I don't blame Eberflus one bit for decision to, in a way, rest the starters. If it was up to me, Justin Fields Fields, Darnell Mooney, and other critical Bears players wouldn't dress for the game. They're cornerstone players for this franchise's future.
Even so, there are four players who should be getting extended reps in the game that will make it worth watching for Chicago Bears fans.
Kyler Gordon, CB
Ryan Pole's first ever draft pick has had a disappointing offseason so far. Not because of his play, but because of his lack of play. He has been dealing with a minor injury that kept him on 'day-to-day' status for the last couple weeks and missed far too many precious training reps.
Now he's healthy and is going to make his preseason debut in Seattle. This will be a big test for him if he plays with the starters; he'll be tasked with covering either Tyler Lockett or DK Metcalf, both Pro Bowl receivers.
The simple fact is we just haven't seen much of Gordon yet, and the Bears need to see what they have with the 39th overall pick. I loved Gordon's selection on draft night, as he was a player I mocked to the Bears several times before the draft. I'm confident that he's going to be a stud cornerback in this league.
Now, we have to see him prove it.
Velus Jones Jr, WR
Like Gordon, Velus Jones Jr. has missed several practice days with an undisclosed injury. In fact, his status for Thursday is still up in the air, but if he plays, Bears fans have to pay close attention to him. He was the first and only receiver drafted by Poles, so he's carrying a lot of pressure to perform well and give Fields a reliable weapon besides Mooney.
My expectations are low for him low, however. Here's why: I highly doubt that offensive coordinator Luke Getsy will to use Jones Jr. to his fullest capabilities. The Chicago Bears aren't going to reveal their plan for Jones Jr. in a meaningless preseason game.
So, don't expect any wild play calls involving the rookie wideout. Instead, expect him to run some pretty basic routes that will let him showcase his speed and his route-running abilities. Hopefully, we can see him show off his hands, too.
Teven Jenkins, RG
Teven Jenkins already got some extended playing time in the preseason opener against Kansas City, but following an up-and-down performance from RG Michael Schofield, Jenkins has been practicing with the starters at guard and appears in line to start (or play a lot of reps) there for Thursdays' game.
Several people, Bears fans and draft analysts alike, believed that this was where Jenkins should have been playing all along. Given his measurables and demeanor, it certainly seems like he could develop into an outstanding guard in the NFL. Eberflus appears to think so, as well.
Thursday's game will be the first time seeing him at this new position, and that makes him an interesting guy to watch. It would be an enormous boost to Chicago's fortunes if Jenkins performs well as an interior player. If he can win that starting right guard spot outright, that would give the Bears youth with a high ceiling on the offensive line, assuming Braxton Jones and Larry Borom also win the starting spots at both tackle positions.
Larry Borom, RT
Speaking of Larry Borom, he's the fourth player to watch when the Chicago Bears face Seattle. He had a rollercoaster rookie season: sometimes he was keeping elite pass rushers like TJ Watt and Nick Bosa in check, other times average pass rushers would give him fits. This year, if he wins the starting Right Tackle job, he needs to provide more consistent protection for Fields.
He played against Kansas City, and it was a mixed bag. He wasn't terrible, but he didn't stand out as particularly good either. Expectations have to be higher for Borom against the Seahawks.
