Chicago Bears training camp: Takeaways from Day 4

The Chicago Bears were back at Halas Hall for the fourth practice of training camp on Saturday, which featured a bounce-back day for quarterback Caleb Williams and the offense.

Saturday’s practice focused primarily on third-down install, where Williams and the offense ended on a strong note with a two-minute drill. Also, rookie tight end Colston Loveland made his debut during team drills, position battles are heating up and another rookie continues to impress this first week.

Here’s what we learned from the fourth practice of training camp, from Williams’ best day to Loveland already making an impression to a pair of offensive line injuries.

Caleb Williams had his best day so far

It’s been a tough start to training camp for Caleb Williams and the starting offense, but that’s all by design just a few practices into the summer. Following a rough three days, Williams had “his best day of camp,” according to Adam Hoge. Outside of a bad delay of game, “he was perfect” during the two-minute drill, which was capped with a nice touchdown completion to receiver Rome Odunze. Pat the Designer added that “Caleb was heated after 11-on-11… then ripped a PERFECT 2-minute drill.”

Offense finished strong during two-minute drill

The Bears offense “looked better” during a practice heavily focused on third-down install, according to Michal Dwojak. They finished the day off strong with a successful two-minute drill for the second consecutive day. But unlike Friday’s practice, this time Chicago got into the end zone. According to Kevin Fishbain, Williams led the Bears on a touchdown drive with 1:08 left on the clock. While there was a delay of game, Williams completed all of his passes, including sealing the deal with “a short fade to Rome Odunze” for the score. Adam Jahns added: “Williams threw a jump-ball TD to Rome Odunze vs. CB Nahshon Wright (playing in place of Jaylon Johnson).”

Colston Loveland made his training camp debut

Bears top draft pick Colston Loveland was a full participant during Saturday’s practice, which marked the first time the tight end has practiced with Chicago. Loveland missed the offseason program as he recovered from shoulder surgery. He was ramping up to start camp, but Saturday marked his first full day of team action — and he “looked good,” per Adam Hoge. Loveland had three catches on the day, according to Adam Jahn, including two during 7-on-7 (one from Caleb Williams for a first down) and one during 11-on-11. Clay Harbor noted that Loveland “looked smooth” as he made some catches.

Offensive tackle updates

The rotation at left tackle continued with Kiran Amegadjie getting work with the starting offensive line, although Braxton Jones and Ozzy Trapilo also got reps with the first team, per Brad Biggs. According to Clay Harbor, Amegadjie and Trapilo “looked solid again,” although “both had good and bad 1-on-1 reps.” Still, Harbor believes there “might actually be a competition here” as they look to unseat incumbent Jones. Right tackle Darnell Wright had a scheduled rest day on Saturday, and last year’s “Hard Knocks” favorite Theo Benedet got most of the reps at right tackle with the starters, per Biggs.

Tyrique Stevenson, Terell Smith rotating at cornerback

There appears to be a competition brewing at cornerback between third-year pros Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith. According to Herb Howard, Stevenson appeared to be in rotation with Smith with the first-team defense. With Jaylon Johnson sidelined, the Bears have had Nashon Wright working with the starters, and he remained in place throughout Saturday’s practice. Ben Johnson has made it clear that starting jobs and roster spots will have to be earned, and while Stevenson appears to. be the favorite to earn the starting job opposite Jaylon Johnson, he’s going to have prove worthy of it. A little competition from Smith, who nearly beat Stevenson out for the job back when the pair were rookies, won’t hurt.

Kyle Monangai continues to shine

Seventh-round running back Kyle Monangai has been one of the early standouts from training camp, and he continues to receive praise from the media. According to Clay Harbor, Monangai “has looked quicker than anticipated and like he belongs.” Harbor did acknowledge that the real work begins when the pads come on, but he “likes his chances of getting some carries this year.” Herb Howard also mentioned Monangai following Saturday’s practice, noting that he “has really good feet and vision.” This running back room, featuring D’Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson and Monangai, feels underlooked, and they’re looking to prove doubters wrong.

Pass rush standouts

Herb Howard detailed some 1-on-1 reps during pass rush drills that stood out: “DE Austin Booker used a great spin move inside to beat LT Ozzy Trapilo for a sure sack. DT Zacch Pickens utilized a quick swim to get instant A-Gap pressure. DL Dayo Odeyingbo beautifully split a double team with great footwork off the snap. OL Luke Newman anchored masterfully versus a big bull rush from Gervon Dexter Sr.

Injury updates

The Bears didn’t get out of Saturday’s practice unscathed. According to Herb Howard, offensive linemen Kiran Amegadjie and Doug Kramer each exited practice with injuries. Amegadjie left the field late in practice with an apparent leg injury. Per Howard, “he limped off the field under the watchful eye of head trainer Andre Tucker.” Meanwhile, Kramer also exited near the end of practice with an apparent left leg injury. Per Howard, Kramer “was visibly upset, slamming his helmet to the ground after getting up.” Elsewhere, right tackle Darnell Wright got a scheduled rest day (so Theo Benedet worked at right tackle with the first team). Rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III remained sidelined, but Ben Johnson sounded hopeful about an impending return.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears training camp: Takeaways from Day 4

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