Outside linebacker Aaron Lynch, who did not play in the Bears’ first three preseason games, was a surprise starter in the finale against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday night.
It was a surprise that Lynch even had pads on. Coach Matt Nagy has been cautious with his regulars in the preseason, especially players with a history of injuries. Lynch has missed 17 games because of injury over the past three seasons — including three with the Bears last year because of an elbow injury after missing virtually all of training camp and the preseason in 2018 with a hamstring injury.
The Bears held out 32 players for the preseason finale, including all their starters. Of the expected starters and regulars, only rookie running back David Montgomery made more than a token appearance in the preseason, with 13 snaps against the Panthers on Aug. 8.
Every defensive starter except Roquan Smith (five snaps), Eddie Goldman (five), Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (five) and Bilal Nichols (five) did not play in the preseason.
Ives stars in finale
Wide receiver Thomas Ives, the Hinsdale Central product, made a bid for a practice squad spot with three receptions for 64 yards in the first half — including plays for 24 and 29 yards.
After playing 25 snaps in the opener against the Panthers, Ives played three snaps vs. the Giants and nine vs. the Colts last week.
Horsted scores again
Another long shot, tight end Jesper Horsted, finished strong with an eight-yard touchdown catch from Tyler Bray. It was Horsted’s second touchdown of the preseason. He had a 17-yard scoring play against the Colts last week.
