Davis Absent from Practice; Sanborn Makes Premature Exit
The energy at Halas Hall took a step up as the Bears advanced into the next phase of their training camp, suiting up in full pads for the first time this Tuesday. Head Coach Matt Eberflus decided on fewer reps to gently ease players back into the rough and tumble. But come Wednesday, the intensity is expected to climb a notch. Here are the recent training camp updates.
On the injury front:Key player and new starting right guard Nate Davis was noticeably absent on Tuesday. This 26-year-old offensive maestro, recently signed up for a three-year, $30 million free agent contract with the Bears, offering $19.25 million in guarantees. His signing was considered a marquee move by the Bears this March.
In the initial days of the training camp, Davis had been lining up as the right guard with the first-team offense. Teven Jenkins, last year's right guard, transitioned to left guard to make room for Davis. With Davis missing, backup lineman Lucas Patrick was seen taking over the right guard's first-team duties.
Moreover, rookie running back Roschon Johnson and seasoned fullback Khari Blasingame were seen on the sidelines, not participating in the practice. Chase Allen, the tight end, was missing for the second day in a row. In response, the Bears have signed up another tight end, Jared Pinkney, a free agent, on Monday.
In a turn of events, linebacker Jack Sanborn was seen leaving Tuesday's practice early, accompanied by a trainer, but able to walk unassisted. He seemed to have taken a hit during a red zone session.
Head coach Eberflus maintained his policy of not discussing injuries during the preseason, stating, "They're working to get back as fast as possible."
Brisker's standout day:Tuesday's practice saw the Bears focusing on red zone plays. Standout moments included a touchdown pass from quarterback Justin Fields to receiver Chase Claypool amidst a congested field. Fields showed quick feet to avoid an incoming edge rusher, and Claypool executed a challenging catch in tight confines.
In the same session, Jaquan Brisker, a second-year safety, stood out with a stellar pass break up, denying receiver DJ Moore. Not one to stay quiet, Brisker made sure Fields was aware of his play, engaging in a bit of friendly trash talk. Brisker has been making his mark in the early days of the camp.
Eberflus praised Brisker, saying, "He's one of our guys that is a definite elite competitor. He loves to compete, he loves football, and we love Jaquan's emotion and passion."
During a two-minute drill at the end of the practice, Trevis Gipson registered a hypothetical sack against Fields, pushing the offense back. However, the offense bounced back due to Fields' deep pass to rookie receiver Tyler Scott, which changed the field position, giving the Bears a shot at the end zone. Two plays later, Fields found Moore for a touchdown. "Got a chance to work our scramble drill there and find open people," commented Eberflus on the touchdown pass to Moore.
Brisker continued his strong performance when the first-team defense took on the second-team offense in a two-minute drill, intercepting backup quarterback PJ Walker.
