The Chicago Bears kick off their 2023 preseason schedule Saturday, Aug. 12, against the Tennessee Titans in a game that will provide Bears fans with a first look at several of the team's new starters as well as key depth players, rookies and guys fighting for a job.
Coach Matt Eberflus confirmed Wednesday that starters, including Justin Fields, would play against the Titans. How many reps they'll get depends on the player and the coach's plan for him, Eberflus said. And while that likely means Fields and the first-teamers will probably play one -- maybe two -- series, the fact they'll be on the field adds excitement to the first exhibition contest.
Sure, there will be some anxiety and fear of injury in what amounts to a meaningless game in the standings, but for a team as young as the Bears, reps in August are critical to getting ready for the Green Bay Packers in Week 1.
Several Chicago Bears need a fast start to the preseason, including these six against the Titans.
Velus Jones Jr.
Velus Jones has a good chance of being the Bears' primary return specialist in 2023, and he'll need to cement himself in that role over the next few weeks. Jones can't bobble, muff, or drop any kicks against the Tennessee Titans, and he'll help his cause if he flips field position on one of his returns.
Jones, a former 2022 third-round pick, is buried on the wide receiver depth chart. He'll need a strong preseason showing on special teams to make the roster, and it starts Saturday.
Trestan Ebner
Trestan Ebner is trending in the right direction, earning praise from Eberflus for his development in Luke Getsy's offense. It felt like he was a long shot to make the team at the start of training camp, but he's starting to earn more meaningful reps in practice.
The Chicago Bears have a logjam at running back with Khalil Herbert, D'Onta Foreman, and Roschon Johnson locks to make the team. If Ebner wants to stick around, he has to make chunk plays as a runner and receiver before it's too late. His future will look brighter if he has a few against the Titans.
Kindle Vildor
Kindle Vildor has had an admirable run with the Bears since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. But with the investment GM Ryan Poles has made at cornerback over the last two drafts, Vildor's grip on a roster spot has loosened.
He should get a lot of run against the Titans on Saturday, and if he flashes some veteran savvy in coverage, he could earn himself a fourth season in Chicago.
Trevis Gipson
One of the biggest surprises on the Bears' first depth chart was Trevis Gipson listed as a fourth-teamer. The once-promising pass-rusher has been surpassed by established veterans and undrafted rookies, putting his standing for the 53-man roster on shaky ground.
Gipson must record pressures and perhaps a sack to salvage any hope he can develop into a reliable sack guy.
Roschon Johnson
Roschon Johnson will make the final roster, and he should have a relatively big role on the Chicago Bears' offense early in his career. But if he wants to jumpstart his campaign to be the starting running back, he has to show Bears coaches his well-rounded skill set is too valuable to be on the bench.
Johnson has to stack three good preseason games together to challenge Herbert and Foreman for that first-team job.
Gervon Dexter Sr.
Gervon Dexter wins the 'get off the bus' award for the Bears' defensive linemen, but concerns about his get-off have begun circulating at training camp.
Dexter has all the traits needed to be a dominant interior defender, and he has to showcase them this preseason. He can't be a non-factor in his debut. He'll struggle to unseat veteran Andrew Billings in the starting lineup if he is.
As a second-round pick, Bears fans should expect starter's reps from Dexter at some point in 2023. But he has to earn them this summer.