The Sun-Times’ Jason Lieser breaks down the Bears’ Friday practice, the seventh of 2019 training camp:
Another tough day
It’s been a rough start for the Bears’ offense, which expected to make major strides. The defense has been overwhelming and kept making a mess of things Friday, including an interception by Ha Ha Clinton-Dix off Mitch Trubisky.
“Again, don’t get frustrated,” said coach Matt Nagy, who hasn’t been thrilled but remains optimistic. “Learn from it. And then when we get to the games, things should be a little bit easier.”
The Bears’ first preseason game is Thursday at home against the Panthers, but that won’t be particularly telling for the offense given that both sides are likely to keep their play-calling basic and limit their starters’ playing time.
Personnel updates
The Bears flipped their kicker schedule around to allow Eddy Pineiro to handle a personal situation, so Friday belonged to Elliott Fry. He made 10 of 11 overall, including three of 50-plus yards. He also made all three of his kicks in end-of-game scramble drills.
Both kickers are likely to get some chances Saturday night when the team practices at Soldier Field.
Starting tight end Trey Burton was out Friday, a potential concern because he’s working back from sports hernia surgery, but the Bears said it was a scheduled day off.
Offensive lineman Alex Bars suffered a bruised knee, but Nagy said the team believes it’s a minor injury.
Next up: The Bears will practice Saturday at 7 p.m. at Soldier Field for Family Fest. It opens at 4:30, and tickets are $10.
