Bears hold intense scrimmage at Halas Hall after walk-through practice

Chicago head coach Ben Johnson called Thursday’s training-camp session at Halas Hall a “big time practice,” after a low-impact walk-through the previous day. The drill schedule emphasized live scrimmage situations, focusing on short-yardage and goal-line packages for new players.

Reporters noted that the first offensive series dominated the early drills, running to the right side behind guard Jonah Jackson (73) and tackle Darnell Wright (58). Rookie defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg joined the first-string unit for goal-line and short-yardage plays, while running back D’Andre Swift was highlighted for his contributions in those situations.

The Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs said the offense “ripped off big plays in short yardage – third and 1 – with runs of 29 and 25 yards and an 8-yard bootleg completion.” He also pointed to defensive highlights, including Dontae Manning’s hit on Roschon Johnson that forced a fumble recovered by Jon Rhattigan for a safety.

WGN’s Eli Ong identified Devin Bush as the defensive standout, noting his interception of quarterback Tyson Bagent and a return that reached the opposite 20-yard line. Special-teams drills were described as “heated,” with Jahdae Walker leading one-on-one blocking contests.

Additional notes from the day include left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. starting with Kiran Amegadjie rotating later, linebacker T.J. Edwards receiving extensive work after limited drills, and several players leaving the field on carts for unspecified reasons. No fans were admitted due to inclement weather, and several starters, including Montez Sweat and Braxton Jones, were absent according to ESPN’s Courtney Cronin.