Chicago Bears HOF game what to watch for: OLBs

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 21: Caleb Benenoch
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 21: Caleb Benenoch /
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Who are the edge rushers to watch for in the Hall of Fame game?

Matt Nagy announced that the starters are going to sit in the first of five preseason games for the Chicago Bears. We would not have expected Leonard Floyd to have seen the field. However, this likely means Sam Acho will be in sweats as well. Although Acho does not have prominent name status, makes sense given his veteran role on the team. What does Acho need to show?

It also helps that Aaron Lynch is not pushing him for starter snaps in camp either. Lynch will miss the game, but not because he is a starter, because he cannot even get on the practice field.

Isaiah Irving and Kylie Fitts

How long are Fitts and Irving going to play? Fitts and Irving are likely the duo that starts for the Chicago Bears in the Hall of Fame game. We have written that the arrow is up in a big way for both names. However, a UDFA with one start in his rookie season and sixth-round pick with limited playing time thanks to injuries certainly brings question marks.

Can either answer any of those questions for the Chicago Bears on Thursday? It is likely that the Bears use these extra snaps to get a long and hard look at both of these prospects.

Kasim Edebali

Edebali came into training camp with NFL experience but has been quiet compared to the two young names. Those two will get the early chances, but at some point, Edebali will start to rotate in as well. On a team where depth is thin, and talent is limited Edebali is competing for a roster spot so to say that the Hall of Fame game matters to him is an understatement.

Elijah Norris and Andrew Trumbetti

Norris and Trumbetti are the two 2018 UDFA players on the edge for Chicago. Trumbetti is a high motor player, but Norris does have some upside to him. As mentioned, it would be wise of the Bears to keep Fitts and Irving in the starting rotation as long as possible. Norris and Trumbetti could dominate the late minutes, and it could be Norris’ time to shine.