Full Breakdown
Bears-Titans Joint Practice Highlights Offensive Sparks, Injury Concerns
8/28/2026, 8:16:58 AM
Joint Practice Overview
The Chicago Bears and Tennessee Titans met for their second joint preseason practice on Thursday in Nashville. The two-hour session featured 7-on-7 drills, red-zone work and a two-minute drill, giving both teams a chance to evaluate players ahead of Saturday’s preseason finale.
Offensive Highlights
Chicago Bears – Quarterback Caleb Williams opened with nine completions on eleven attempts, including six straight and two red-zone touchdowns. Eight different receivers caught a pass, and running back D’Andre Swift added a rushing touchdown and participated in a trick play that ended with a deep score to tight end Cole Kmet. Tight ends Colston Loveland, Sam Roush and Qadir Ismail each recorded a scoring catch.
Tennessee Titans – Quarterback Cam Ward finished 19-of-30 for three touchdowns and one interception. Rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate led the session with seven receptions on twelve targets and two touchdowns, including a goal-line score. Ward praised his chemistry with Tate, noting the receiver was consistently open.
Defensive Issues and Injuries
The Bears’ secondary was hampered by injuries. Starting cornerback Jaylon Johnson exited early with a right-arm injury, and Tyrique Stevenson left after a leg issue before returning later in the session, leaving the Bears vulnerable in the second half.
A late-practice collision sparked controversy. Former Titan safety Xavier Woods delivered a hard hit on Titans wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson during a two-minute drill. Titans head coach Robert Saleh called the contact “cheap” and confirmed Robinson was being evaluated for a concussion. The hit prompted a bench-clearing scuffle, with Titans guard Peter Skoronski describing the play as “unacceptable.”
Official Statements & Responses
- “I think that’s been probably the best thing so far this camp, just the anticipation, the timing, the understanding of where we want to put the football,” — Ben Johnson, Bears head coach.
- “All I care about is: does it help us win or not?” — Ben Johnson.
- Robert Saleh said the Woods-Robinson collision was “cheap” and that Robinson would undergo concussion protocol before the upcoming preseason game.
- Cam Ward stressed the team’s mindset, stating, “We have to continue to have the same mindset; we have to continue to make plays.”
Data & Statistics
| Category | Bears | Titans |
|---|---|---|
| Passing completions (Williams) | 9-of-11 | — |
| Straight completions (Williams) | 6 | — |
| Williams TD passes | 2 (red zone) | — |
| D’Andre Swift TDs | 1 rushing | — |
| Tight ends with TD catches | Loveland, Kmet, Roush | — |
| Cam Ward passing | 19-of-30 | — |
| Ward TD passes | 3 | — |
| Ward interceptions | 1 | — |
| Carnell Tate receptions | 7 (team-high) | — |
| Tate TD receptions | 2 | — |
Criticism & Opposition
Titans guard Peter Skoronski publicly criticized the Woods hit, calling it “unacceptable” and contrary to practice safety protocols.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Robinson’s concussion evaluation was confirmed, but no definitive diagnosis or return timeline was provided.
- The injury status of Bears cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson remains unclear beyond their early exits; neither team announced a projected return date.
