Chicago Bears rookie tight end Sam Roush had one of his most impactful practices against the Tennessee Titans ahead of the team's final preseason game.
Roush caught a 50-50 ball from backup quarterback Case Keenum with a Titans defender draped over the 6-foot-5, 267-pounder. Later on in the practice, Roush caught a back-shoulder pass for a touchdown, and the Bears’ sideline burst with excitement.
Roush made big plays in the passing game, something that didn't happen consistently throughout training camp. It looked like a breakthrough for the rookie tight end, but Roush didn't see it that way.
Sam Roush is looking to do one thing better with Bears in 2026
Roush told reporters that outside of the two plays he made later in the practice, he didn’t think he had a good practice.
“I didn’t feel like my blocking was up to par, to be honest,” Roush said.
He went on to say that he was bummed and frustrated with how the practice went, which illustrates the standard Roush has set for himself. Luckily, the rookie had an opportunity to redeem himself in the preseason game.
“I felt like I was more consistent with my play,” Roush said. “I thought I was more under control, and I was thinking less.”
Roush also felt he did a better job blocking, but said it is hard to be aggressive because he doesn't want to get beat up, given his aggressive style of play. In the tight end room, there was discussion about Roush and how he didn't take advantage of those moments in the preseason.
So there is always room for improvement. Roush will need to keep this mindset not only in his rookie season but throughout his career.
Right now, he is the third tight end in head coach Ben Johnson's offense. He should soak up all the knowledge from veteran Cole Kmet and second-year tight end Colston Loveland. If Roush can take advantage of his rookie season, that will prepare him for a far bigger role in Year 2.
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Kmet may not be on the team much longer, especially since the Bears invested a Day 2 pick in Roush. As Roush goes through his rookie season, he will make his fair share of mistakes and have more days that don't meet expectations, but if he can take those low moments and learn from them, the Bears will be positioned to have a strong tight end room for years to come.
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