The Bears are going into the 2024 season virtually intact.
Though there are no official injury reports until Wednesday, wide receiver Keenan Allen and center/guard Ryan Bates participated in practice Monday after recent absences. The only players not participating were defensive tackle Zacch Pickens and running back Roschon Johnson.
“We feel good where we are,” coach Matt Eberflus said.
Allen’s return after missing two practices last week with a “cleat issue” gives the Bears their much-anticipated full complement of receivers for rookie quarterback. Caleb Williams in his NFL debut against the Titans on Sunday at Soldier Field.
Bates, who had been out since Aug. 8, eventually could push for a starting job at either center or guard. But the offensive line for the opener appears set — left tackle Braxton Jones, left guard Teven Jenkins, center Coleman Shelton, right guard Nate Davis and right tackle Darnell Wright.
The defense was without cornerbacks Kyler Gordon (14 practices) and Tyrique Stevenson (seven) and safeties Jaquan Brisker (nine) and Byard (four) during training camp. But every starter except Byard was available since Brisker returned on Aug. 20.
The most serious injury throughout camp was long snapper Patrick Scales, who was put on injured reserve and replaced by Scott Daly.
“We’re all excited,” said Eberflus, who is 3-14 and 7-10 in his first two seasons as the Bears’ head coach. “I can tell the guys are excited. We had a team meeting [Monday] morning — when I broke them down, you could tell the guys are excited. We’re excited to compete together in a football game — full strength and be able to do that. We’re excited about that opportunity Sunday.”
Oh captains, my captains
The Bears named eight — count ‘em eight — captains for the 2024 season, including one rookie (quarterback Caleb Williams) and two newcomers (Williams and safety Kevin Byard).
The other captains, voted by teammates, are wide receiver DJ Moore, tight ends Cole Kmet and Marcedes Lewis, cornerback Jaylon Johnson and linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards.
“It’s a larger group than we’re used to, but we have a bigger group of leadership now than we’ve had,” Eberflus said.
Eberflus said he did not know if he will also name a weekly captain, but it likely will turn out that eight is enough.
Johnson ‘surprised’ by honor
Johnson has started more games (53) than any current player except for Kmet (60), prides himself on being a leaders by example, so being named a captain doesn’t change his role.
“I was surprised. I got a text and I didn’t believe it,” Johnson said. “Just one of those things where it’s just continue to be myself. Nothing changes. [It’s not], ‘I’m this captain now, so I’ve got to go out and do something different.’ Just continue to work. Continue to lead by example. The goals and things I want do to don’t change because of that, but ’m definitely honored to have that ‘C’ on my chest.”
Papa Bear
Johnson missed two practices last week for the birth of his daughter, Xoel (pronounced Zo-EL). He wore a ‘Dad — no days off’ hat at his media availability Monday. He appreciated the break from practice, but knows it’s probably the last break he’ll ever get.
“Honestly, a good little break, [a] reset,” Johnson said. “Getting a little break, getting a getaway, being able to bring my daughter in this world. Just a beautiful process, a beautiful thing to see and to witness.
“My fiance [Janessa] did a heck of a job. Just honored to be in that room. She went in there and performed, for sure. Just wanted to be a support for her and continue to be the dad that I’ve been — continue to show up, continue to pour into my young life.”