Chicago Bears Training Camp: Day One Recap

The Chicago Bears have returned to the football field and there was rejoicing around the Windy City. The Bears reported to training camp on Wednesday, but the first practice of the season occurred today. Obviously, it’s way too early to get any answers, but there were plenty of things to take note of as the Bears are just a couple weeks away from their first preseason game. Here’s a few takeaways from day one of training camp.

Leonard Floyd was carted off the field 

2016 first round draft choice Leonard Floyd gave every fan a scare this morning when he left practice on a cart and was escorted off the field. Some fans went to the worst case scenario and thought he would be sitting out all or part of his rookie year just like his 2015 counterpart, Kevin White. Turns out it was absolutely nothing. Floyd had been ill the last couple days and couldn’t practice in the heat. He’s day-to-day and will be fine.

Kyle Long banged up and other injuries

Long didn’t finish practice today because of a calf injury. He was spotted afterwards in a walking boot. None of the reports out of camp seem concerned over Long’s injury and expect him to be back on the field soon.

Other than Long, three other Bears left practice today. OLB Roy Robertson- Harris and OT Nick Becton both left practice with what the Bears called “illness.” In short, it was quite hot at camp today, and players most likely had some dehydration issues.

One actual injury, TE Khari Lee sprained his AC joint in his shoulder. Lee’s shoulder injury should keep him out of practice some, which could complicate his chances of making the roster as he’s already on the roster bubble.

Wide Receivers were the stars of the day

Probably the best news of the day was how great some of the wide receivers looked at camp today.  According to PFF, Alshon Jeffery, Kevin White, and even rookie Daniel Braverman looked very good with Jay Cutler.

The Bears are very hopeful Braverman can make an impact this year and he started off training camp on the right foot. Kevin White also looked sharp and Alshon Jeffery made a couple fantastic plays during practice.

Jeffery also made another very impressive play, but apparently had a hold of Kyle Fuller’s face mask and would have been called back for offensive pass interference in an actual game. Jeffery’s standout play was great to see, especially considering how important this season is for him playing for a long-term contract. Jeffery knows he’s playing this season to earn a significant raise and remain in Chicago.

Harold Jones-Quartey was with the first team opposite Adrian Amos

The Bears have plenty of questions in the secondary. One of them is who will start at safety alongside Amos and it looks like it might be Jones-Quartey’s position to lose.

Jones-Quartey saw the most action towards the end of the last season with Amos. The Bears were pleased with his production and that carried through the offseason. Jones-Quartey will have to prove he’s worthy of the starting spot, the Bears certainly won’t hand it to him, but he currently has the inside track to the starting position.

Bears starting offense

There have been some questions as to who would be starting at the offensive positions.

While that’s no surprise, after the Bears signed G Amini Silatolu, some speculation began that perhaps the idea might be floated to try Cody Whitehair at center if Grasu can’t cut the starting line-up.

That looks like a definite possibility. Part of the reason the Bears love Whitehair is his versatility to play multiple positions across the offensive line. With versatility like that, the Bears will find the five best offensive lineman and play them without worrying about who needs to play where. Also worth noting, Jeremy Langford did indeed receive snaps with the first team offense.

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It’s only one day of practice, but we will keep you up to speed throughout July and August as the Bears march towards week one! Bear Down!

Bill Zimmerman is an editor and featured writer for FanSided‘s BearGogglesOn. Like his Facebook page or follow him on Twitter for more news and interaction.