Bears finish first training camp week with defensive gains and several injuries
Chicago completed eight practices, including three padded sessions, seeing defensive improvement but also sustaining injuries to key players such as safety Coby Bryant and left tackle Braxton Jones.
Chicago wrapped its first full week of training camp after eight practices, three of which were padded, allowing the defense to close the gap that had existed during earlier non-padded sessions. Quarterback Caleb Williams continued to show promise, while the defensive unit faced a series of injuries. Safety Coby Bryant suffered a knee injury that includes a hyperextension, bone bruise and a small fracture, which could keep him out for 8-10 weeks, according to reports. Left tackle Braxton Jones, who has been the frontrunner in the position battle, exited a padded drill after a one-on-one with defensive end Austin Booker but appears to have avoided a serious injury.
Wide receiver Kaden Davis attracted attention after making a diving one-handed catch from Williams and later a touchdown reception from Case Keenum, earning repeated mentions in practice evaluations. Defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg, a sixth-round rookie, impressed coaches with his physical play in one-on-one drills and 11-on-11 rotations against starters. Running back Salvon Ahmed took advantage of Kyle Monangai’s early absence, delivering strong performances that keep him in contention for a third-string role.
Conversely, cornerback Kyler Gordon remained sidelined with a calf injury, and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen continued to manage a secondary depleted by injuries to Bryant, Gordon and safety Elijah Hicks. The Bears are monitoring the status of the injured players while evaluating depth-chart candidates for the upcoming preseason.