SEO Title: NFC North training camp preview: Bears, Lions, Packers and Vikings storylines for 2026
SEO Description: A Sunday-desk look at the major 2026 training camp questions in the NFC North, from Caleb Williams and Kyler Murray to Detroit’s reshaped line and Green Bay’s pass-rush concerns.
NFC North Training Camp Preview: The 2026 Questions Facing Chicago, Detroit, Green Bay and Minnesota
With 2026 NFL training camps approaching, every NFC North club enters the summer with high-stakes decisions at quarterback, along the offensive line and throughout the secondary. The Bears are waiting for Caleb Williams to become more consistently dominant, the Lions must rebuild their blocking unit, the Packers could open without Micah Parsons, and the Vikings are preparing a quarterback battle that appears tilted toward Kyler Murray.
Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams and unsettled spots on both lines
Chicago’s ceiling remains tied to Williams, who is entering his third NFL season and his second under head coach Ben Johnson. The former first overall pick delivered explosive moments and led several comeback efforts in Johnson’s first year, but the Bears need fewer stalled possessions and more dependable down-to-down quarterback play.
Williams has the weapons to take another step. Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III offer significant upside, while the fight for the No. 3 receiver role will be worth watching. Tight end Colston Loveland could also take on a larger role within a deep position group. If Williams keeps his big-play ability while eliminating the lower stretches of his performance, he could put himself in the MVP conversation. The Madden NFL 27 cover athlete will carry major expectations into camp.
Questions facing the Bears
- Chicago added rotational defensive tackles but did not make a major upgrade to its front four.
- Grady Jarrett and Gervon Dexter Sr. are being counted on for rebound seasons.
- Montez Sweat still lacks an established edge-running counterpart. Austin Booker showed late-season promise, but Chicago needs him to take another step.
- Shemar Turner’s availability remains uncertain after he tore his ACL last October.
- The Bears are replacing both starting safeties. Coby Bryant and Cam Lewis are viewed as capable options, but the defense must determine whether they can replace the turnover production of the previous starters.
- First-round rookie Dillon Thieneman will be tested immediately in Dennis Allen’s defense, with the key question being whether he is ready for Week 1.
Left tackle is another early camp battle after Ozzy Trapilo suffered a patellar tendon injury in the Wild Card Round. Trapilo is not expected to be available for at least the opening portion of the season. Braxton Jones currently projects as the starter, but he must hold off Jedrick Wills Jr. and Theo Benedet for the Week 1 job.
The rest of the offensive line has the potential to rank among the league’s better groups, but instability at left tackle could create problems across the offense. At center, Garrett Bradbury is the expected replacement for Drew Dalman, who retired unexpectedly this offseason. Second-round pick Logan Jones could challenge Bradbury during camp.
Detroit Lions: Rebuilding the line and leaning on Jahmyr Gibbs
Detroit’s offensive line went from a strength to a concern in 2025, prompting an extensive offseason response. The Lions moved Penei Sewell to left tackle, drafted Blake Miller for the right side, signed center Cade Mays and added veteran depth throughout the unit.
The results of that reconstruction will shape Detroit’s season. Sewell’s adjustment on the left side, Miller’s readiness as a rookie and the development of guards Christian Mahogany and Tate Ratledge will all be closely monitored. Mahogany and Ratledge were inconsistent last season and could lose starting jobs if they do not improve. The Lions’ offensive explosiveness will be difficult to unlock without better protection and run blocking.
Gibbs takes over the backfield
David Montgomery’s offseason trade has made Jahmyr Gibbs the clear centerpiece of Detroit’s rushing attack. Gibbs had already begun to handle a greater share of the workload in 2025, and his opportunities should continue to rise.
- The Lions are unlikely to want Gibbs nearing 300 rushing attempts, but he is expected to surpass his previous high of 250 carries if healthy.
- Gibbs set career bests with 77 receptions, 616 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns in 2025.
- His ability as a runner inside and outside the tackles, paired with his receiving skills, gives Detroit a versatile featured back.
- A workload resembling that of Christian McCaffrey could put Gibbs in the Offensive Player of the Year race.
- Detroit has often moved early on extensions for core players, making a market-setting running back deal for Gibbs a notable remaining offseason matter.
Health will also define the Lions’ camp, particularly in the defensive backfield. Tight end Sam LaPorta is the major offensive injury to track, but Detroit’s larger concerns are at safety. Brian Branch suffered an Achilles injury late last season and is not expected to be ready for the opener, though the club has not provided a firm timetable. Even when he returns, Detroit must determine whether he can regain his usual quick, aggressive form in 2026.
Kerby Joseph played only six games last year because of a knee injury, and his status remains unclear. With uncertainty surrounding both starting safeties and cornerback Terrion Arnold having been released, the Lions could again be forced to rely heavily on replacement-level veterans and journeymen in the secondary.
Green Bay Packers: Life without Micah Parsons and uncertainty around Josh Jacobs
Green Bay is expected to begin camp with Micah Parsons on the physically unable to perform list after his knee injury last December. He is also likely to remain on PUP at the start of the regular season, which would cost him the first four games. An earlier return remains possible, but the club is expected to take a cautious approach.
The absence of Parsons would leave a thin edge-rushing group in a difficult spot, particularly after Green Bay traded Rashan Gary. Former first-round pick Lukas Van Ness becomes central to the Packers’ opening-month plans. His camp performance could determine whether the team seeks another veteran pass rusher. Fourth-round rookie Dani Dennis-Sutton is also part of the evaluation, but Green Bay may need to rotate personnel until Parsons is available.
Packers camp priorities
- Josh Jacobs’ May arrest remains unresolved, with no clarity on how local authorities will proceed or whether the NFL will impose discipline.
- Jacobs participated with the team last month and is expected at camp if there is no change in his situation.
- Any absence for Jacobs would significantly affect Matt LaFleur’s offense because he remains Green Bay’s primary ball carrier.
- Chris Brooks, an undrafted player used largely on passing downs, and MarShawn Lloyd are the next backs in line.
- Lloyd has struggled to stay healthy, although the Packers believe he has progressed. He needs to show durability and production in camp and the preseason.
Green Bay’s receiving corps has a clearer top tier after Romeo Doubs departed in free agency and Dontayvion Wicks was traded. Jayden Reed and Christian Watson received extensions, joining 2025 first-round pick Matthew Golden as the leading trio.
Golden is a key player to watch after an uneven rookie season that ended with a strong Wild Card performance against Chicago: four catches, 84 yards and a touchdown. Depth behind the top three remains a concern, especially given the group’s injury history. Tight end Tucker Kraft is another major health question. He tore his ACL last November but is targeting a Week 1 return, and a new contract could also be part of his situation.
Minnesota Vikings: Kyler Murray’s opportunity and a thinner defense
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has described the quarterback job as an open competition between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy. Still, Murray appears to enter camp with the advantage. The former No. 1 overall pick brings a proven NFL résumé, while McCarthy has had difficulty staying healthy and has struggled during his time on the field.
Murray’s mobility could add a different dimension to O’Connell’s offense. His tendency to target top receivers heavily could also help Justin Jefferson return to a higher level of production. Camp will reveal how Murray operates in the Vikings’ system, but all signs point to the position being his to lose.
Pass-rush depth and Harrison Smith’s decision
Minnesota also has significant concerns on the edge after trading Jonathan Greenard. Dallas Turner, entering his third season, is expected to break out, while Andrew Van Ginkel remains the other leading edge defender. Behind them, the depth chart is inexperienced.
- Bo Richter, Chaz Chambliss and Tyler Batty have combined for one career sack, recorded by Chambliss.
- Defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins has also taken snaps on the edge.
- The Vikings could pursue a veteran pass rusher during camp or early in the regular season.
- Brian Flores has frequently relied on experienced players familiar with his system, making the development of younger contributors especially important.
- Rookies Caleb Banks, Domonique Orange, Jakobe Thomas and Charles Demmings could have meaningful roles in determining Minnesota’s defensive outcome.
The other unresolved issue is the future of safety Harrison Smith. Minnesota has indicated it would welcome his return and did not sign a veteran replacement. Thomas, a third-round pick, was the club’s only major safety addition.
Smith’s versatility remains particularly valuable in Flores’ defense. If he chooses retirement, Jay Ward, Theo Jackson and Thomas would compete for larger roles. Thomas and Demmings are among the young defensive backs to watch through training camp and the preseason as Minnesota prepares for 2026.
