5 takeaways from Chicago Bears' initial depth chart
The Chicago Bears released their first depth chart of the 2024 NFL Preseason on Friday, ahead of their Hall of Fame game against the Houston Texans next Thursday.
The first takeaway for the Bears may be that the roster looks better than usual. Still, the depth chart shows plenty of battles and positioning. What are the big takeaways?
The Bears' first depth chart heading into the Hall of Fame game is here.
— Sean Hammond (@sean_hammond) July 26, 2024
No real surprises. Ryan Bates or Coleman Shelton starting center, with Bates listed first. Velus Jones Jr. or DeAndre Carter for both kick and punt return. pic.twitter.com/Y5Q71XTLY2
5. The Chicago Bears have a competition at center
The first notable takeaway is at center. The Chicago Bears have an “OR” right in between the starter and the backup. Ryan Bates is listed as the starter, but the or tells us that it could just as easily be Coleman Shelton when the season starts.
The Bears seem to want Bates to take ahold of the job, but they do not want to give it to him. Shelton has more center experience, he is more familiar with the offense and could win the job fair and square. More than that, an injury to Nate Davis or Teven Jenkins could force the Bears to push Bates to guard and then play Shelton at center. Thus, they will continue to split the snaps between the two. No starter has been named.