One of the bright spots for the Chicago Bears' training camp has been the play of the defense as they enter week two, with a focus on putting on the pads and making some hits. One Bears player will be more cautious about how he is laying the hits on the other players to protect himself.
ESPN Bears beat reporter Courtney Cronin's latest training camp article included a section on safety Jaquan Brisker, who is recovering from a concussion that kept him out for most of last year. Brisker discussed his plan for the upcoming season to prevent further head injuries.
"Safety Jaquan Brisker said he's not wearing a guardian cap at training camp because he got a new helmet this offseason called "The Axiom." Brisker missed 12 games in 2024 due to a concussion, his third in as many seasons with the Bears.
Though he didn't sustain the injury while leading with his head, the fourth-year safety said he's taking precautious to keep himself on the field. 'Probably just not lead with my helmet, I'll say that,' Brisker said. 'Not lead with my head. Other than that, that was my first injury that I had tackling somebody.'"
Bears need Brisker to stay healthy in 2025
What a thunderous start to the 2024 season Brisker had with 40 tackles, three tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, two pass deflections, one forced fumble, and one interception in five games. The concussion he suffered would end up costing him the rest of the season.
Since being drafted by the Bears in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Brisker has been a solid addition to the secondary. He had posted over 100 tackles in each of his first two seasons and only missed four games prior to last year.
The strength of this Bears' defense comes from the secondary, with Kevin Byard III also back there at safety with Brisker. They are accompanied by cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and Tyrique Stevenson.
This group is looking to carry a defense that does have depth questions at linebacker and defensive line. They have performed well so far in training camp with making life difficult for quarterback Caleb Williams.
Read more: Bears' training camp position battle is painfully not even close to being decided
Chicago is hoping for big things from Brisker and that he can pick right up from where he started last year.