The Chicago Bears will play their second preseason game of the summer against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday. This, following two days of joint practices with the Colts at which coach Matt Eberflus saw enough from quarterback Justin Fields and select starters to sit them for the game.
While this is certainly a bummer for the fans hoping to see more positive game reps from Fields, it will give the other quarterbacks and deep backups a chance to shine.
Here's a look at five players who Chicago Bears fans should watch closely in Week 2's preseason game against the Colts.
Tyson Bagent, QB
Since his solid NFL debut against the Tennessee Titans in Week 1, Tyson Bagent has continued to impress in joint practices against the Indianapolis Colts, including a trio of touchdown passes in red zone drills Thursday.
Bagent needs all the live reps he can get, as it's already a long shot for an undrafted rookie quarterback from a Division II school to make the roster. However, chatter about Bagent possibly unseating PJ Walker as the backup quarterback has already begun. Stay tuned.
PJ Walker, QB
Speaking of quarterbacks, current QB2 PJ Walker has had a summer to forget. His accuracy has been alarming, and he hasn't had 'that moment' to build confidence among coaches and fans that he can step in and replace Justin Fields if needed.
Bagent's star is on the rise, too. Pressure is officially on Walker to keep his job.
Walker signed a 2-year, $4 million contract with Chicago this offseason. He's not going anywhere until at least 2024. But he needs a rock-solid game on Saturday, or his short-term outlook is questionable. at best.
Doug Kramer, C
Starting center Cody Whitehair left practice early Thursday with an apparent hand injury. We don't know how serious it is, but if Eberflus is sitting starters, it seems likely that Whitehair will not play, which would give Kramer a chance to start against the Colts.
Kramer missed his rookie season after suffering a training camp injury last year. This is his first real taste of NFL action, and so far, he's been OK. If he can provide a reasonably solid pocket and open running lanes against the Colts, his stock could quickly rise from the bottom of the depth chart to a relevant depth player.
Roschon Johnson, RB
Roschon Johnson has had a bit of an up-and-down camp, and his NFL debut against the Titans was more of the same. His first run -- 24 yards -- was impressive. His final 11? Not so much.
If Khalil Herbert does not play against Indianapolis, Johnson should get more playing time and another chance to prove his worth to a team with two established running backs ahead of him. He's already arguably the best pass protector in the running back room; now he has to show that he can carry the rock as well as Herbert, if not better.
Travis Bell, DL
Travis Bell should get an extended look if any of the Chicago Bears' starting defensive linemen sit out.
Bell played well in his NFL debut, registering a sack and a few pressures. There likely won't be room to keep Bell on the 53-man roster with all the established starters and much higher-drafted rookies ahead of him, but another good game will make that decision difficult for the coaches.
