Bears show defensive promise but offensive line falters in joint practice with Bengals

Chicago and Cincinnati held a joint preseason practice on Thursday ahead of their Week 2 matchup. The session featured a few scuffles, including a punch, but served as a key evaluation period for players expected to contribute in the 2026 campaign.

Defensive backs Terell Smith and Tyrique Stevenson returned to practice after injuries, offering depth to a secondary hit by multiple setbacks, according to reports from The Athletic and the Chicago Tribune. Outside observers noted that injured starters Jaylon Jones and Kyler Gordon watched the drills, suggesting possible progress toward full participation.

The offensive line, however, performed poorly, with repeated pressure on quarterback Caleb Williams. Adam Jahns reported that left tackle Braxton Jones and backup Theo Benedet rotated, and Benedet allowed back-to-back sacks to Myles Murphy near the end of the session.

The offense ended the practice on a low note. Kevin Fishbain described a “tough finish” as the Bears went four-and-out on a two-minute drill, then surrendered a sack and an interception to Jalen Davis. Additional interceptions were noted, including one tipped by Dexter Lawrence. Despite the setbacks, Williams connected on several red-zone touchdowns to Colston Loveland, Kaden Davis and Kalif Raymond.

Defensively, rookie Dillon Thieneman recorded another interception, this time off a Joe Burrow pass, according to CHGO Bears analyst Adam Hoge. FOX 19’s Jeremy Rauch observed that the Bengals’ offense struggled at times, while the Bears managed several pressure situations on Burrow.

Overall, the practice underscored a resilient defensive effort amid secondary injuries, contrasted with ongoing concerns about offensive line protection and consistency on offense.