Chicago Bears training camp check-in: Defensive backs

How have the defensive backs looked for the Chicago Bears in training camp?

One of the biggest developments in the Chicago Bears defensive backfield has been the battle between Deon Bush and Tashaun Gipson. When Gipson was signed it was assumed that Bush would be the backup to the veteran.

However, the Bears exited the draft saying that they felt confident in Bush and their word rings true as he has been in a true 50/50 split with Gipson so far in training camp. Not only that, but he has also been holding his own, and there is a chance he could win this thing.

Bush has been energetic in camp and has brought a physicality. He also has a familiarity with the defense and with Eddie Jackson that Gipson does not have. Given the short offseason period, it may just be getting Gipson slowly adjusted. However, this is a development that is worth noting.

At cornerback, Jaylon Johnson has yet to practice with the shoulder that dropped him to 50th overall in the 2020 draft. With Artie Burns out as well, the Chicago Bears have turned to Kevin Toliver, who has dominated first-team reps.

However, beyond that, Buster Skrine has taken reps on the outside, and Duke Shelley is seeing more work with the first-team nickel than he has a year before. Still, in a perfect world, these outside snaps would be going to Johnson.

Johnson is behind physically in a preseason where many will be behind overall. It is fair to question if he could possibly be ready to play by week one. Kevin Toliver is likely to start.