3 Chicago Bears players who improved their chances of starting in 2023
1. Is Tyrique Stevenson ready to start on the outside for the Chicago Bears?
The last starting job that we debated was the outside cornerback job. The question was definitely more about when, not if, Tyrique Stevenson would catch Kyler Gordon and start on the outside. Gordon had played the slot last year, but in base situations, he would step outside. So, the question was whether Gordon would be primarily slot, or if Stevenson would only come in for nickel snaps and then push Gordon to the inside.
From one week of the preseason, the thought has to be that Gordon will only play nickel snaps, a demotion from last season.
Kyler Gordon played ten snaps on Saturday and did not take a single rep on the outside. Gordon had played the slot last year, but in base situations, he would step outside. So, the question was whether Gordon would be primarily slot or if Stevenson would only come in for nickel snaps and then push Gordon to the inside.
Stevenson played a team-high 46 snaps, with 31 snaps in coverage. He was primarily on the outside.
The Chicago Bears wanted to get a long look at the rookie because they plan on him starting in week one. They had to see him in game action before making that call, though. Stevenson played well. Now that he has proven himself, it seems pretty clear that he is now two weeks away from locking this job up.
Next. 10 Chicago Bears players who have their stock rising after preseason week one. 10 Chicago Bears players who have their stock rising after preseason week one. dark
When the Chicago Bears play base, with just two cornerbacks on the field, it will be Kyler Gordon who comes off, and Stevenson will stay on for all of the snaps.