The Chicago Bears’ first preseason game didn’t end as the team would’ve liked, losing 23-13 to the Carolina Panthers, but the point of the summer schedule isn’t about the standings. Instead, it’s about identifying players who can contribute to a winning season in 2019.
The Bears are in a very unique situation with their roster. It’s pretty much set. A few positions like a backup wide receiver, reserve tight end and starting kicker are up for grabs, but that’s about it.
With that in mind, here’s whose stock is up — and down — after Thursday night’s opener.
Stock up: David Montgomery, RB
This one’s easy. Montgomery stole the show for the Bears, finishing with 46 total yards on six touches (three runs, three receptions). He added a seven-yard touchdown run that was a display of his natural feel behind the line of scrimmage.
It’s hard envisioning a scenario where Montgomery isn’t the Bears’ feature back when Chicago opens the regular season Sept. 5 against the Packers.
Stock down: Ryan Nall, RB
Nall was a preseason darling in 2018 but he looked heavy-footed and a bit sluggish against the Panthers. He’s in a battle not just for a roster spot, but for a place on the practice squad too. Rookie Kerrith Whyte led the team in rushing (6 car., 35 yards) and looked much more explosive and like a better fit for Nagy’s offense.
Stock up: Javon Wims, WR
Wims had just two catches for 15 yards, but his physical presence in the passing game was much more impactful. He looked like a more developed and seasoned pro who ran through his routes and caught the ball with confidence.
Stock down: Marvin Hall, WR
Hall has been all the buzz in training camp, but he failed to take that momentum to the field Thursday night. He showed some promise as a return man on special teams but was targeted just twice in the passing game and failed to register a catch. With so much depth and competition at wide receiver, every rep and every game counts. Hall needs to make an impact over the next three weeks to challenge for the final 53.
Stock up: Ian Bunting, TE
Was Bunting perfect? No. He fumbled, he was flagged, and he was beaten in pass protection. But he made up for all of the negative with a fantastic performance as a receiver. He presents a big-bodied target with reliable hands who had a little more spring in his step than many would’ve expected. He led the Bears with 77 yards on three receptions and looks ready to challenge for the No. 3 tight end spot on the depth chart.
Stock down: Rashad Coward, OT
Coward was once viewed as a promising tackle prospect who could potentially develop into a starting-quality player. And while there’s still time for Coward to prove he’s that guy, his play Thursday night didn’t help his cause. He was really bad in pass protection and looked like he regressed from his level of play this time last year. The Bears need one of their swing tackles to separate from the pack and prove they’re the top reserve. Coward didn’t do that Thursday.
