Bears starters will play in 2023 preseason opener vs. Titans

The Chicago Bears will play their starters, including quarterback Justin Fields, in the team’s preseason opener Saturday, Aug. 12, against the Tennessee Titans, coach Matt Eberflus confirmed Wednesday.

Eberflus didn’t commit to how much each starter would play, instead describing it as a player-by-player assessment.

While a valid argument against playing a starting quarterback in an exhibition game exists, the Bears need Fields to get live, in-game reps as he enters his third season. Remember: it’s only his second year in Luke Getsy’s offense, and he’s lining up alongside several new starters on offense. A learning curve still exists, and it will be sped up with preseason reps.

Rookie right tackle Darnell Wright should see extensive playing time as well. The 2023 first-rounder has had an up-and-down training camp, which isn’t earth-shattering for a first-year offensive lineman. It’ll be fun to see how he competes against unfamiliar NFL competition Saturday afternoon.

If I were a betting man, I’d wager on Fields playing less than 10 snaps against the Titans. The same goes for wide receiver DJ Moore and tight end Cole Kmet. The rest of the starters on offense could go a little longer, depending on how they’ve progressed in training camp.

On defense, don’t expect to see the starting cornerbacks and safeties on the field for more than a series or so. Those positions tend to round out the backend of the roster, so it’s imperative that Bears coaches get a long look at those reserves.

The defensive line will be fun to watch as well. Saturday’s preseason game will be the debut for second-round pick Gervon Dexter Sr. and third-rounder Zacch Pickens. Both Chicago Bears rookies should play a good number of snaps as they continue adjusting to the NFL game.