The Chicago Bears start their preseason in a few days against the Cleveland Browns, and head coach Ben Johnson needs to make a massive decision before then.
During his preseason practice before the week started, Johnson was asked whether he would play the starters in the next three games. The head coach left it with just five words.
“We haven’t gotten there yet," Johnson said via CHGO.
Johnson went on to say that he and the coaching staff will meet and most likely announce their decision on Thursday. Since there is little time to make the argument, Coach Johnson, don't do it.
Ben Johnson needs to avoid playing Bears starters in the preseason at all costs
Last year, Johnson had no problems playing the starters in the preseason, which was the right choice at the time. The Bears players were learning a brand-new system, and the offense was struggling in practice with pre-snap issues. Chicago had to play the starters, and it ended up working out for them.
This season is different. The circumstances are different.
Yes, the injuries are the number one reason. Going into training camp, the Bears were already down Kyler Gordon and Shemar Turner. During training camp, it got worse. Look at the big names that got hurt at one point in camp and missed time:
- Coby Bryant (out 4-6 months)
- Montez Sweat
- Braxton Jones
- Kyle Monanagai
- Cam Lewis
- Elijah Hicks
- Kyler Gordon
- Shemar Turner
- Luther Burden III
- Zavion Thomas
- Noah Sewell
- T.J. Edwards
- Ozzy Trapilo
There are way more names, but the article must roll on. That's a lot of names who have missed time, and that's not even all of them.
What is the benefit of playing the starters at this point in preseason? More reps? Building continuity?
The offense is already practicing significantly better than it did last year, and Caleb Williams is in a rhythm with the unit. Sure, the defense needs some work, but those players know defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's scheme well enough that they'll be okay.
One question Chicago is facing right now is whether the reward outweighs the risk of injury. It's not. It's truly not.
Johnson has to think about the long-term effects of playing the starters and putting them at risk of injury and missing time in 2026. This roster cannot afford to lose anyone else before the regular season kicks off.
Read more: Ryan Poles could help rid Bears fans of injury woes with great Ozzy Trapilo news
While we can appreciate Johnson for bringing the much-needed grittiness and toughness the franchise needed last year, he has to play the long game. Punt the decision to play at least the good portion of the starters and focus on the 2026 regular season for them.
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