Bears preseason recap

Chicago Bears lift the veil on early depth with rookies stepping in and QB battles taking shape against the Dolphins.

Bears show progress in preseason opener against Dolphins

CHICAGO The Bears opened their preseason at Soldier Field with a 24 24 tie against the Miami Dolphins after a joint practice week. Tyson Bagent started the game and showed steady handling of the offense, completing 13 of 19 passes for 103 yards with a touchdown and an interception that was tipped. Veteran Case Keenum followed with efficient work, going 8 of 10 for 80 yards and two touchdowns, a reminder that the QB room remains a work in progress but not without promise. The left tackle competition keeps brewing as Braxton Jones played most of the first half while Colston Trapilo and Theo Benedet mixed in, leaving the outcome unsettled.

The Bears leaned on rookies for impact on both sides of the ball. Tight end Colston Loveland made a first in game catch and running back Kyle Monangai produced some late efficiency. Wide receiver Luther Burden showed crisp route running and separation, helping the offense stretch the field. On defense, Austin Booker and Dominique Robinson generated pressure, with Booker recording three sacks and a strip sack on a key drive. The unit also got a glimpse of depth players and young pass rushers who could carve out roles with more reps. In the trenches, injuries and camp turnover kept the interior rotation open as the team weighs its best five on the line and ways to sustain pressure beyond Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo.

The game underscored how the Bears are balancing development with winning previews. The QB competition remains open, but Bagent’s start paired with Keenum’s reliability suggests Chicago may ride two capable options into the regular season while continuing to groom Caleb Williams for 2025. The left tackle spot remains a live storyline, as the coaching staff evaluates chemistry and technique with a rotating group. On defense, the emergence of Booker and Robinson provides hope that the edge can be a strength, but true consistency will require more from the second and third units. Rookies Loveland and Burden showed enough to justify ongoing trust, while Monangai’s steady run game hints at a deeper backfield than last season. The next steps will be to translate this early momentum into cohesive team play across quarters and weeks of practice, especially as the schedule tightens.

Highlights

The Bears move from the practice field to the game tape, where further clarity will come in the next tests.