The 3 most important training camp battles for the Chicago Bears
We are a week into training camp and have already seen big storylines regarding the Chicago Bears. First, Roquan Smith is on the PUP list as he is in the middle of a “hold in” while negotiating a new contract with Ryan Poles. Next, Robert Quinn reported to camp without any hesitation. He does not plan on going anywhere, but I wonder if Poles is still shopping him.
On a bit of a negative note, Teven Jenkins has been missing from practice and is rumored to have “woken up with something”. The problem is that Matt Eberflus has not expanded on that explanation of Jenkins’ absence. This leaves the door open for everyone to speculate what is happening. I should point out that no one seems to be questioning the Thomas Graham situation, but everyone is commenting about the Jenkins situation. Now, rumors are spreading that Jenkins has immaturity issues and isn’t dedicated enough to the game. Is he going to be a bust? Too soon.
It has only been a week, but there have been plenty of storylines involved with this team. Ryan Poles signed two veteran offensive linemen in Riley Reiff and Michael Schofield too. Will their presence change up training camp battles? Let’s take a look at the three most important training camp battles of the Chicago Bears.
1. Chicago Bears training camp battle to watch: Wide receiver group
I think it’s obvious that Darnell Mooney is going to be the top option for Justin Fields this year. We have already seen it at training camp — Mooney has been targeted heavily. However, what we don’t know is who will be fighting for those WR2 and WR3 targets.
In today’s NFL, even the third receiving option sees a decent amount of targets. That third wide receiver is on the field often and it’s important that Justin Fields be able to depend on that player just as much as he would Mooney and the WR2. As of now, I would guess that Byron Pringle and Velus Jones, Jr. will be those second and third options. That said, even a battle between the two of them is worth watching. As of now, it appears Velus Jones might be pushing for that WR2 role. Can Byron Pringle say something about it?
What about the receivers behind these three? The Chicago Bears traded a 2024 seventh-round pick N’Keal Harry and I am going to assume he has a good shot at making the team. That said, the Bears didn’t give up enough to just hand him a job — he will need to earn it. Then, you have the likes of Dante Pettis, Tajae Sharpe, Equanimeous St. Brown, Dazz Newsome, David Moore, Nsimba Webster, Chris Finke, Kevin Shaa and Isaiah Coulter.
Prediction:
I have Darnell Mooney, Byron Pringle and Velus Jones, Jr. as locks to make the final roster. I am predicting N’Keal Harry, Equanimeous St. Brown and Dante Pettis round out the final three while Chris Finke and/or Kevin Shaa go to the practice squad. Pettis is my longshot and it could easily be any of the others listed here who earns that final spot.