Chicago Bears Training Camp Report: Left Tackle Battle, Rookie Contracts and Caleb Williams’ New Offense
SEO Title: Chicago Bears Training Camp Report: Injuries, Roster Battles and 2025 Schedule
SEO Description: The Chicago Bears enter 2025 training camp with Braxton Jones’ health, rookie contract questions and key position battles shaping Ben Johnson’s first season as head coach.
The Chicago Bears will bring rookies to Halas Hall on July 19 and welcome veterans three days later, beginning a pivotal camp under first-year head coach Ben Johnson. With Caleb Williams entering his second NFL season, Chicago has rebuilt much of its offensive infrastructure while facing questions at left tackle, running back and in its secondary.
Injury and roster status list
- Braxton Jones, offensive tackle — Recovering from the ankle fracture he sustained in December. He did not take part in offseason work, and his availability for the start of the regular season could affect the left tackle competition.
- Luther Burden III, wide receiver — Dealing with a soft-tissue issue suffered during rookie minicamp. He has not returned to the field since that injury.
- Shemar Turner, defensive tackle — Agreed to his rookie contract Thursday after the initial report was published.
- Ozzy Trapilo, offensive tackle — A second-round pick expected to contend for an early role, potentially at left tackle if Jones is unavailable. His contract situation had been part of the league-wide delay involving second-round selections.
Williams gets a new supporting cast
Johnson’s arrival has raised expectations around an offense that has struggled for consistency for years. During three seasons directing Detroit’s offense, Johnson built an attack capable of creating big plays on the ground and through the passing game, using sequencing and adjustments to punish defensive responses.
The Bears have surrounded Williams with major changes. The offensive line has been extensively reshaped, while first-round tight end Colston Loveland and Burden add more young receiving talent. Chicago is counting on those moves, along with Johnson’s scheme, to help Williams take a significant step after an uneven rookie year.
One long-standing franchise milestone is also in view: no Bears quarterback has produced a 4,000-yard passing season. Williams will have a stronger collection of personnel around him in 2025 as Chicago attempts to change that history.
Running back workload remains unsettled
Chicago did not select a running back until taking Kyle Monangai in the seventh round, leaving D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson as the central figures in the backfield. Swift will look to rebound behind the revamped front, while Johnson could be used in a role resembling the work David Montgomery handled in Detroit.
Ben Johnson’s offense has emphasized a productive rushing attack to set up its passing opportunities. Camp will help determine whether the Bears have the depth and fit at running back to execute that approach.
Unsigned rookies and left tackle questions
The Bears used three second-round picks on Burden, Trapilo and Turner, all players who could be asked to contribute early. A league-wide negotiation issue had left 30 second-round picks unsigned at the time of the report, after the first two players chosen in that round received contracts with full guarantees for the first time in NFL history.
Turner has since reached an agreement, but missed practice time remains especially consequential for young players. Burden’s injury has already limited his on-field work, and Trapilo could be needed quickly if Jones is not ready.
Jones allowed 26 pressures across 12 games in 2024 before suffering his season-ending injury. If he cannot reclaim the job promptly, Trapilo could push for the starting left tackle spot. Kiran Amegadjie, a 2024 third-round selection, also enters the competition after struggling when pressed into action as a rookie.
The cornerback group presents another camp contest. Tyrique Stevenson is trying to retain the outside job opposite Jaylon Johnson, with Terell Smith and rookie Zah Frazier competing for opportunities. Kyler Gordon remains the team’s nickel corner.
Week ahead
Bears rookies report to Halas Hall in Lake Forest, Illinois, on July 19, followed by veterans on July 22.
Chicago’s preseason opens on the road against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Aug. 10, at 1 p.m. ET on NFL Network. The Bears then host the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Aug. 17, at 8 p.m. on FOX, before visiting the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday, Aug. 22, at 8:20 p.m. ET.
In the regular season, Chicago is one of seven NFL teams not assigned a Thursday game. The Bears are scheduled to face the Philadelphia Eagles on Black Friday.
