3 Chicago Bears players who improved their stock after the NFL Hall of Fame Game

The Chicago Bears were victorious in the NFL's Hall of Fame game on Thursday night as they defeated the Houston Texans 21-17 in game that was concluded in the third quarter due to inclement weather.

The biggest takeaway from the game was that the Bears were validated in their decision to not play their starters. Despite Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium having an artificial surface, there were issues from the first kickoff in terms of players having solid footing. The last thing the Bears need would have been of their key players to be injured in a game that is more ceremonial than it is meaningful.

Nonetheless, let's tale a look at players who improved their stock during the Hall of Fame game.

1. Khalil Herbert, Running back

• It was clear from the start that the Bears will be using the preseason to determine who will be the backup running back behind D'Andre Swift. While Roschon Johnson got the first carry of the night, it was Khalil Herbert who was most impressive. Herbert averaged 8.8 yards per carry while showing a burst that is missing when Johnson is in the backfield.

2. Brett Rypien, Quarterback

The Hall of Game seemed to provide validation on why Brett Rypien is a part of the quarterback room for the Chicago Bears. With Tyson Bagent only playing one series, the idea of there being a backup quarterback competition likely is overstated. Having said that, Rypien proved that he knows Shane Waldron's offense by completing 11 of his 15 pass attempts, including three touchdown passes.

3. Collin Johnson, wide receiver

• The beneficiary of Rypien's success was wide receiver Collin Johnson. Johnson was on the receiving end of two of Rypien's three touchdown passes while totaling 56 yards on 3 receptions. Johnson is the early candidate to be the wide receiver that Bears fans fall in love with during preseason only to see him consequently cut, skipped over by the league, and brought back on the team's practice squad after the preseason.