Bears Training Camp Opens: Ben Johnson’s Squad Chases a Repeat Playoff Run

The pads are back on in Lake Forest. Chicago Bears veterans reported to Halas Hall on July 28, with rookies already on the grounds since July 25, according to ESPN. The team’s official account marked the occasion online, posting “Let #BearsCamp begin” alongside a photo from the field — a fitting kickoff line for a roster with real expectations this summer. What’s Actually at Stake This Camp The scheduling is straightforward: the Bears open camp for veterans July 28, and their first practice open to the public lands July 31, according to NBC Chicago. Ten public practices are on the calendar this summer at Halas Hall, giving fans more access than most NFL camps offer. On the field, two position battles stand out early. At center, veteran Garrett Bradbury is the presumptive Week 1 starter, but rookie second-round pick Jones — a former Iowa lineman — is pushing hard, according to ESPN. Second-round picks don’t get drafted to sit, and camp reps will decide how much runway Bradbury actually has. Left tackle is murkier. Ozzy Trapilo’s knee injury forced Chicago to restart the competition from scratch there, and Braxton Jones has taken the bulk of first-team reps this spring, leaning on 44 career starts and a clean injury history, per ESPN. Up front on defense, the line is working to get back to fundamentals after an inconsistent stretch, according to FOX 32 Chicago. Consistency up front was a swing factor for Chicago last season, and camp reps against the starting offensive line will be the clearest early signal of whether that group has actually taken a step forward. Read More: https://enfell.com/30/07/2026/bears-training-camp-opens-ben-johnsons-squad-chases-a-repeat-playoff-run/