The Chicago Bears were back at Halas Hall for the seventh practice of training camp on Wednesday, which featured some intriguing developments in what was a lighter practice.
Following back-to-back padded workouts, the Bears took things easier on Wednesday. There was a heavy emphasis on red zone, which included quarterback Caleb Williams rushing for a score, but the starting offense did have their struggles after a strong start. Rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III was the star of this practice, and it’s clear he has a ton of potential in this Ben Johnson offense.
Here’s what we learned from the seventh practice of training camp, from Burden’s playmaking day to Williams’ continued progress to injury updates.
Lighter practice but pads back on Thursday
The Bears were back at Halas Hall for their third straight practice this week, including back-to-back padded workouts on Monday and Tuesday. With that said, it was a much lighter practice in shells after those intense sessions, which included live tackling on Tuesday. But, according to Adam Hoge, the team will be back in pads for Thursday’s practice. Following Wednesday’s session, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said we can expect more live tackling this summer. “I’m appreciative of the fact that we had a live period yesterday because that’s the way the game is played.”
Red zone heavy practice
There was a major focus on the red zone during Wednesday’s light workout, both low and high. In fact, all 11-on-11 work came in the red zone, per Courtney Cronin. During that work, Williams attempted a pass to wide receiver Rome Odunze in the back of the end zone, but it was broken up with Kevin Byard and Nick McCloud in coverage. Two plays later, Williams scored a touchdown on a read option. During that scripted low red zone period at the end of practice, Williams went 0-for-2 with a sack and then scored on the keeper, according to Dan Wiederer.
Rookie Luther Burden shines
Bears rookie receiver Luther Burden III participated in team drills for the first time on Tuesday, which included some mental mistakes. But he bounced back in a big way during Wednesday’s practice where he showcased his playmaking potential. While it was a light practice, Burden had two big plays that stood out in his connection with quarterback Caleb Williams. On the first play, Williams hit Burden across the middle and the second-round rookie ran into the end zone prompting an ovation from the fans in attendance. On the second play, Burden made an impressive catch in the back of the end zone — which Greg Braggs called “the play of the day” — where it’s up for debate whether he was in bounds or not. Still, it was a great catch. It’s certainly encouraging given Burden has already flashed this potential in just a couple of practices. Now just wait until he’s well-versed in this offense.
Caleb Williams continues to progress
After a rough start to training camp, quarterback Caleb Williams and the starting offense is starting to settle in. That doesn’t mean they’re turning in perfect days — which Wednesday’s was not, as the starters struggled in red zone work at the end of practice. But progress is being made, and it’s looking encouraging for this unit led by head coach Ben Johnson. During Wednesday’s practice, Williams completed his first three throws during team period, including a big completion to rookie wideout Luther Burden III. Despite some struggles in low red zone at the end of practice, Williams scored a touchdown on a read option. According to Mark Carman, Williams’ process has looked better where he’s “smoother in and out of the huddle.”
Second cornerback job “completely up for grabs”
Through the first seven practices of training camp, it’s become clear that the Bears could have a competition at cornerback opposite starter Jaylon Johnson. Tyrique Stevenson and Nashon Wright have been primarily with the first-team defense — with Stevenson rotating at times with Terell Smith — with Wright getting all reps with the starters. Following Wednesday’s practice, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen confirmed that the second cornerback job is “completely up for grabs,” which should make for an exciting position battle this summer. Right now, it appears to be a two-man race between Stevenson and Wright, although Smith has also gotten some looks.
Offensive line shakeup with rest days
The offensive line looked a little different during Wednesday’s light, non-padded session. The Bears were without starting guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson with left tackle contender Braxton Jones also being sidelined (more below). With Thuney and Jackson’s absences, Chicago rolled with Chris Glaser and Ryan Bates at the guard spots. Ozzy Trapilo, who’s emerging as a favorite for the left tackle job, worked mostly with the starters on Wednesday. Right tackle Darnell Wright and center Drew Dalman were full participants.
Attendance update
As far as attendance goes, there were some veteran absences during this light workout in shorts. Right guard Jonah Jackson and left tackle Braxton Jones weren’t spotted at practice. While Jones was given a rest day, it was announced that Jackson is dealing with a leg injury and is “day to day.” Meanwhile, left guard Joe Thuney was resting on the sideline for most of practice. Offensive linemen Bill Murray and Ricky Stromberg, as well as defensive tackle Shemar Turner, cornerback Zah Frazier, cornerback Jeremiah Walker and cornerback Jaylon Johnson weren’t present.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears training camp: Takeaways from Day 7
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
