The Chicago Bears returned to practice on Tuesday as they begin preparations for their preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday.
It seems that the trend is leaning toward the Bears' starters not playing on Saturday given that the two teams will have a joint practice on Thursday at Halas Hall.
As the Bears returned to the practice field on Tuesday, it seems that the roster is getting healthy. Among the participants at practice on Tuesday were Montez Sweat, Kyler Gordon, and Nate Davis.
Davis' return should not be understated considering that Matt Eberflus suggested the veteran right guard was week-to-week after suffering a setback last week. Not only was Davis active in practice on Tuesday but he was at right guard with the starting offensive line.
Nate Davis at RG with starters in full team. Ryan Bates is not practicing today.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) August 13, 2024
Last week, Eberflus may have offered an ultimatum toward Davis. After the veteran offensive lineman had been absent for most of the Bears' offseason program and early weeks of Training Camp, Eberflus conceded that lack of availability could be a reason that a player loses their starting job.
Nate Davis returns to Bears practice with first-team offensive line.
A functioning Bears' starting offensive line needs a healthy Davis. For as much as Davis has drawn the ire of Bears fans this summer, he still is a capable lineman on run protections. Davis' pass protection can be improved but his starting next to Darnell Wright allows for Ryan Bates to serve as the team's starting center.
In addition to Davis, there has been progress on Kiran Amegadjie's status. The rookie offensive tackle seems to be ramping up this week with the expectation of potentially returning to practice next week.
OL Kiran Amegadjie is ramping up and may begin to practice soon. The Rookie 3rd Rd pick has yet to practice with the team during Training Camp.
— Herb Howard (@HerbHoward411) August 13, 2024
Amegadjie's rookie season with the Bears has always been considered a red-shirt year despite being selected by the team in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. However, his ability to return to practice before the start of the regular season will likely be enough to keep him on the 53-man roster without a need for an IR designation.