We’re just a few weeks away from the start of Chicago Bears training camp, and there are plenty of storylines that will dominate. Coming off a disappointing 2019 season, the Bears are looking to rebound in what’s gearing up to be a pivotal 2020 season.
There are plenty of players with something to prove, whether it’s players battling for the starting job or players fighting for a roster spot. There’s a lot on the line for these guys, and they’ll have to do it in what’s gearing up to be an unusual training camp setting this year.
Let’s take a look at five Bears players with the most to prove during training camp.
1. QB Mitchell Trubisky
There’s no one with more to prove during training camp than quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, who will battle veteran Nick Foles for the starting job. This is Trubisky’s last chance to prove that he can be the franchise quarterback in Chicago, and if he can’t, that would figure to be the end of his time with the Bears — unless Foles is benched or injured. A fire has certainly been lit under Trubisky, with the Bears declining his fifth-year option and bringing in Foles to potentially replace him.
This is a pretty important training camp for Trubisky, as the preseason will be at most two games and at least eliminated entirely. The quarterback battle can’t begin until the start of camp, which means that Trubisky should have an advantage with a small sample size. Still, he has to take advantage of those opportunities. And he’ll be the first one to line up under center when the competition begins July 28.
2. QB Nick Foles
This training camp is just as significant for Foles as it is Trubisky. The Bears relinquished draft capital and a ton of cash to bring Foles to Chicago, and it wasn’t just to serve as another coach in the quarterbacks room. They want him to battle for the starting job and either push Trubisky to win the job or for Foles to win it himself.
Although this offseason certainly hasn’t been ideal for the new Bears quarterback, as the coronavirus has prevented Foles from getting on the practice field and building chemistry with his new teammates. Meanwhile, Trubisky has been organizing workouts with teammates in the Chicago area, where they’re implementing installs from OTAs and continuing to build chemistry. And if there’s no preseason, which the NFLPA has pushed for, it makes the battle even tougher for Foles.
3. TE Adam Shaheen
At this point, no one expects tight end Adam Shaheen to make the Bears’ 53-man roster. And why should they? The Bears effectively brought in two guys to replace him in rookie Cole Kmet and veteran Demetrius Harris, who has experience in Matt Nagy’s offense. And yet, Shaheen still has one more training camp to prove that he deserves a roster spot.
Injuries have held Shaheen back, as it’s hard to develop when you’re not out on the field. But even when Shaheen was out there last season, his impact was minimal. Shaheen had nine receptions for 74 yards in eight games last season. And following the overall disappointment of the tight ends room, Chicago has shown that they’re determined to right that ship. Especially given the importance of the tight end in Nagy’s offense.
4. WR Javon Wims
Last training camp, wide receiver Javon Wims made a name for himself with an impressive performance. The Bears felt as much, and Wims locked up one of those coveted receiver roster spots. But this training camp is going to be even more important for Wims.
When push comes to shove, Wims could be the guy left off the roster due to a crowded receivers room. It’s not to lack of talent, as we caught glimpses of what Wims could do last season. But Allen Robinson, Anthony Miller, Cordarrelle Patterson, Ted Ginn Jr. all feel like virtual locks. Then there’s young guys in Riley Ridley and rookie Darnell Mooney that figure to take up those final two spots. Ultimately, Wims might be on the outside looking in.
5. S Deon Bush
Following the departure of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix in free agency, things finally seemed to be aligning for former fourth-round pick Deon Bush to assume the starting strong safety role opposite Eddie Jackson. But, just as quickly, that hope took a hit when Chicago signed Tashaun Gipson to battle for that same job.
While Gipson’s arrival made him the immediate favorite to win the starting job, he hasn’t won it yet. Bush faces an important training camp as the starting job is still there for the taking. Bush had an impressive camp last season, and he’ll need to replicate that performance if he hopes to lock up that starting spot over Gipson. If not, he’ll remain a valuable reserve.
