This offseason has been unconventional, to say the least, and it’s had its share of obstacles that have made it difficult for teams like the Chicago Bears to prepare for the 2020 season.
Not only did teams had to conduct their offseason programs entirely virtual, there will be even less chance for players to get reps in as the NFL and NFLPA have agreed to zero preseason games in 2020.
Obviously there are late-round draft picks and undrafted rookies that will miss out on valuable reps and a chance to make an NFL roster. But there are also players with starting jobs or valuable experience on the line.
Let’s take a look at six Bears players that will be hurt the most from no preseason games.
1. QB Mitchell Trubisky
This is a make-or-break year for fourth-year quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, who is coming off his worst season as a pro. Although, to be fair, he was far from the only issue on offense. But he also hasn’t lived up to his No. 2 overall billing, which is why general manager Ryan Pace traded for Nick Foles to challenge and possibly unseat Trubisky in the starting role.
While Trubisky certainly has an edge in the quarterback competition given the entirely virtual offseason, winning the starting job isn’t a free ride for the entire season. Those preseason reps could’ve been invaluable for Trubisky, who is coming off shoulder surgery on his left, non-throwing arm, as well as give him more opportunities to get better at reading defenses. The more reps, the better for Trubisky.
2. QB Nick Foles
When the Bears traded for Foles earlier this offseason, there was a belief that he was the favorite to win the starting job over Trubisky. Not only has Foles proven he can effectively operate an offense similar to Matt Nagy’s, but the Bears invested draft capital and shelled out $21 million for his services. And given Chicago has almost lost all hope in Trubisky, Foles seemed like the safe bet.
But COVID-19 has changed everything. With an entirely virtual offseason and the cancellation of preseason, Foles has just one month of training camp practices to develop chemistry with his receivers. And without live-game reps to go off of, being the incumbent starter is certainly advantageous. What was once hailed as a fair competition seems to have become more one-sided for Trubisky.
3. TE Cole Kmet
While tight end Cole Kmet’s roster spot isn’t on the line, the Bears’ top draft pick could certainly benefit from some live-game reps given an entirely virtual offseason. Matt Nagy has praised Kmet’s understanding of the playbook so early on, and he’s excited to see him get on the field.
Kmet will occupy the starting “Y” tight end role, where Nagy can utilize his blocking and pass catching ability to help get this offense establish a balanced attack. Kmet has gotten some reps in with quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, who has been organizing workouts this offseason in the Chicago area. Although it’s certainly no substitute for live-game reps, especially given Kmet has an opportunity to make an impact as a rookie for the Bears.
4. CB Jaylon Johnson
There’s a lot of excitement surrounding second-round rookie cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who could wind up being one of the steals of the 2020 NFL Draft. Johnson’s athleticism, confidence and ability to shut down opposing receivers makes him one of the most exciting rookies to watch in camp.
Like Kmet, Johnson isn’t at risk of losing his roster spot. But with the absence of the preseason, Johnson will miss out on some valuable live-game reps, which certainly doesn’t help as he’s competing for the starting cornerback spot opposite Kyle Fuller. The more reps the better for the young rookie, especially as Johnson is coming off shoulder surgery.
5. RB Artavis Pierce
With a third running back roster spot up for grabs, undrafted rookie free agent Artavis Pierce has a good chance to make a run for that job against former Oregon State teammate Ryan Nall. If there’s anyone that is going to challenge Nall for David Montgomery’s backup, it’s Pierce. He’s a versatile back that thrived in the run game and pass game during his time at Oregon State, and he’d make a good complement to Montgomery.
But, unfortunately, Pierce won’t be afforded the benefit of preseason games to show the Bears what he can bring to the table. When all is said and done, they might elect to go with Nall, who has impressed in his preseason stints with Chicago over the last two seasons.
6. K Ramiz Ahmed
The Bears will have competition at kicker for the second straight training camp, although it won’t be quite the circus it was last year. Eddy Pineiro emerged victorious last season, and now he’s the favorite to win the starting job over undrafted free agent Ramiz Ahmed. Chicago brought in Ahmed to give competition to Pineiro, although Ahmed also has experience winning a kicker competition.
But the absence of a preseason and those live-game kicks will certainly prevent Ahmed from getting a fair shot at the job. Last season, it was the preseason that gave Pineiro an edge over Elliott Fry. And given the Bears have seen Pineiro be solid in an entire season of football — he connected on 23-of-28 field goals (82.1%) — he’ll be in a lock for the starting job, barring a complete meltdown. While the Bears will likely keep Ahmed around with the uncertainty amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he’ll most likely lose out to Pineiro in training camp.
