Mitch Trubisky's preseason rise reached new heights Wednesday when the Bears rookie quarterback took some practice repetitions with the first-string offense for the first time.
It's the most concrete evidence to date that the Bears are open to starting Trubisky sometime during his rookie season over veteran Mike Glennon. Glennon also worked with the first string Wednesday as the Bears began preparing for Sunday's exhibition against the Titans.
Coach John Fox discussed the development Wednesday afternoon. The Bears are now positioned to use part of Sunday's game to evaluate Trubisky with the first string by having him start the second half, but their openness to have him replace Glennon for the regular season remains in question. Sunday's exhibition is the last in which the Bears' starters are expected to play, so it would be their last chance to evaluate the rookie quarterback with that group before the season.
Trubisky's athleticism and arm talent have flashed during the two exhibitions in which he has played with the second and third strings. Meanwhile, the first-string offense, with Glennon at the controls, has struggled to move and protect the ball against starting-caliber opposition.
The Bears had been unwavering in their commitment to Glennon as the starter from the moment they traded up to draft Trubisky with the No. 2 pick in April. General manager Ryan Pace has emphasized the detail with which he evaluated Glennon before guaranteeing him $18.5 million as part of a free-agent contract in March.
The Bears have leaned on Glennon's experience in a pro-style offense and familiarity with NFL defenses as justification for committing to him as the starter. Trubisky, according to the team and by his own admission, is still working to develop command of the offense and his responsibilities as an NFL quarterback.
The debate about whether rookie quarterbacks develop best in regular-season game action or in the sanctuary of practice has raged in NFL circles for years, particularly as league rules have evolved to help the passing game.
Pace has made clear his preference for Trubisky to develop behind the scenes. But Trubisky has apparently earned a greater opportunity as his emergence continues.
