Full Breakdown
Chicago Bears Launch 2026 Training Camp Amid High Expectations and Roster Battles
7/24/2026, 2:55:39 AM
Bears Kick Off 2026 Training Camp
The Chicago Bears’ 2026 training camp opened on July 29 in Lake Forest, Illinois, and will run through August. Practices will be held primarily at Halas Hall, with joint sessions scheduled at Cincinnati and Tennessee.
Recent Success and Upcoming Challenges
Chicago entered camp as the defending NFC North champion after an 11-5 record and a league-leading 33 takeaways in 2025. The defense, however, ranked near the bottom in pass-rush win rate (29 %) and pressure percentage (28 %). Head coach Ben Johnson, now in his second year, said improving the pass rush while maintaining turnover production will be critical. The Bears opted against signing a high-profile edge rusher, relying on internal development under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
Roster Battles and Position Outlook
Quarterback
Quarterback Caleb Williams returns as the centerpiece of Chicago’s offense and must adjust to a new center and revamped receiver corps.
Offensive Line
The center competition pits veteran Garrett Bradbury against rookie Logan Jones (Iowa). Bradbury is projected as the Week 1 starter, but Jones will challenge for playing time. At left tackle, Braxton Jones earned most spring reps after Ozzy Trapilo’s knee injury sidelined the former starter; he competes with Jedrick Wills Jr. and Kiran Amegadjie. Right tackle Darnell Wright, a 2023 first-round pick who played through an elbow injury, is slated for a new contract extension in the $26-30 million per-year range.
Wide Receivers
The departure of DJ Moore opens the No. 1 receiver slot. Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III vie for that role, with Odunze returning from a stress-fracture-related “new normal.” Rookie Zavion Thomas impressed in minicamp with a 4.28-second 40-yard dash and could become a versatile gadget player and return specialist.
Defensive Backfield
The secondary features safety duo Coby Bryant and first-round pick Dillon Thieneman. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson, a two-time Pro Bowler, returns from core-muscle surgery; Kyler Gordon must reestablish his health after a soft-tissue injury. The No. 2 cornerback battle centers on Tyrique Stevenson, entering a contract year, versus rookie fourth-rounder Malik Muhammad II, whose 4.42-second 40-yard dash and length make him a “combo guy” capable of man and zone coverage.
Defensive Strategy and Pass-Rush Focus
Allen’s scheme continues to rely on younger linebackers Devin Bush, Austin Booker, and Dayo Odeyingbo to generate pressure without external free-agent acquisitions.
Projected 53-Man Roster
The preseason projection lists three quarterbacks (Williams, Tyson Bagent, Case Keenum), six running backs, a dozen receivers and tight ends, and a full complement of linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs. Trapilo is expected to start the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, opening a roster spot for a backup tackle.
Official Statements & Responses
Defensive coordinator Allen highlighted Thieneman’s “football intelligence” and ability to locate the ball.
What’s Next
The Bears will continue joint practices with other NFL teams in August and finalize their 53-man roster before the regular season. The outcomes of the position battles will shape Chicago’s ability to defend its division crown amid a tough schedule.
