First-year pro Theo Benedet took some first-team reps at left tackle, while rookie second-round pick Ozzy Trapilo worked at right tackle with the No. 2 offense.
“There’s a lot of things to really like about Theo,” said offensive line coach Dan Roushar. “He’s had probably as much improvement as any player we have in the group. With that, there’s a lot of things for him to improve on and he knows that, and we’ve got to work on it. He is working his tail off. He has put himself in a position to go compete for a job somewhere in this group.”
Benedet signed with the Bears last year as an undrafted free agent from the University of British Columbia, where he became the first offensive lineman to win back-to-back J.P. Metras Trophies as Canada’s best down lineman.
After spending his rookie season on the Bears’ practice squad, the 6-7, 304-pounder is challenging for playing time in training camp.
“Every day he’s just continued to work and improve, and he grabs our attention with the things he does really well,” Roushar said. “We know that he’s not a finished product by any means, but the growth from spring to now has been incredible.”
Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson remains on the non-football injury list, unable to practice due to a leg injury he sustained before training camp. The Bears are hopeful, however, that he will be able to return in time to play in the regular season opener Sept. 8 against the Vikings on Monday Night Football.
“He is right on track,” said coach Ben Johnson. “He is right where he needs to be. Those type of injuries, you don’t know short-term, long-term. Everyone is a little bit different. But I think we’re going in the right direction right now.”
The Bears coach added that nickel back Kyler Gordon is week-to-week with a hamstring injury he suffered in last Thursday’s practice.
“Hopefully before camp ends, we’ll be able to get him back,” Johnson said.
Sunday’s second preseason game against the Bills will give the Bears a chance to evaluate the four defensive backs they signed Tuesday: Safeties Millard Bradford and Mark Perry and cornerbacks Mekhi Garner and Kaleb Hayes.
“We’ll have plenty of numbers and it will give those new guys some opportunities to get some reps and compete,” Johnson said. “Schematically, we’ll be smart and keep it fairly simple in the game so that they can go out there and they can play ball.”