Going into the Chicago Bears' third and final preseason game against the Tennessee Titans, there are many things fans don't need to see.
For starters, we don't need to see ... well, most of the starters.
There's no need to put guys out there like Caleb Williams or Rome Odunze.
But, there are indeed a few select players we need to see more of, and for varying reasons. In the team's final tune-up before their Week 1 matchup with the Carolina Panthers, there are five players I am ready to see more of against the Titans.
The Bears' left tackle position leads a group of players who must get playing time against the Titans
Theo Benedet and Braxton Jones, LT
For Bears fans who might not be closely following, the left tackle competition between Theo Benedet and Braxton Jones was supposed to have provided some clarity by now. Instead, things are as murky as ever.
Most fans were hoping and assuming that Jones would have taken the job, firmly. Yet, based on preseason performance, that hasn't been the case. Against the Titans, we're hoping to see one of the two stand out and grasp ahold of this job.
It isn't permanent, as second-year pro Ozzy Trapilo will be back from injury, eventually. Trapilo was recently activated off the PUP, which is a great sign.
But, Jones and Benedet still need to show some more, for the time being, and it continues against Tennessee.
Dayo Odeyingbo, DE
Who knew that we'd see signs of life from Dayo Odeyingbo against the Bengals? After suffering a season-ending injury last year, Odeyingbo had been written off by many fans. The 2025 free agent signing came to Chicago on a $48 million contract and didn't instill much confidence even before going down hurt.
After being able to pressure the quarterback against Cincy, though, there's suddenly some hope for Odeyingbo to be a real part of this pass rush. In a "what have you done for me lately?" league, Odeyingbo can really take the next step if he's able to put additional strong film on display against the Titans.
He needs it. The Bears need it.
Malik Muhammad, CB
Another player who has been trending positively, rookie fourth-round cornerback Malik Muhammad looks like the favorite to win the starting nickel job while Kyler Gordon remains out due to injury. He is still newer to the position after only playing a handful of snaps in the slot during college. But, with Dennis Allen being known as a guru when it comes to defensive backs, he's in good hands.
Muhammad is not yet in the category of players the Bears should sit; not particularly close, but that's mostly because of his status as a rookie and learning a new position.
One last preseason game should give Muhammad the necessary snaps to not only grow more comfortable in this position, but prove to the coaches that he indeed deserves this job. He could have his hands full, though, if the Titans opt to play starting slot receiver Wan'Dale Robinson.
Marcus Davenport, DE
The newly-signed defensive end did not play against Cincinnati, and if he's going to stand any chance at making this roster, he'll need to play against the Titans. He'll need to do more than just play, though. Davenport has been given the "injury-prone" label in recent years, due to spending much of his time off the field.
Dennis Allen is reunited with his former Saints draft pick, of course, so he's somebody that knows what Davenport can do. But, things have changed since him being drafted. The course of his career has not gone the way he'd have wanted.
Read more: 3 Bears roster battles that have become more than a talking point
Now, on a team that desperately needs pass rush help, Davenport has a chance to make a real difference. It'll be hard to do that in just one preseason game, so Davenport has to consider this his only real shot.
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