The Chicago Bears had their training camp introduction on Friday, July 19, marking the start of another season.
There was no practice, with veterans just arriving to join the rookies. There was plenty of optimism after another season of significant additions to the roster. If it was possible, the mood was spoiled by some injury news.
Optimism and Injuries Dominate Bears Training Camp Intro Notes
Bears Place Gerald Everett, Kiran Amegadjie on NFI List
General Manager Ryan Poles announced that third-round rookie offensive lineman Kiran Amegadjie was still rehabbing from his quad injury suffered in October 2023 and would begin camp on the Non-Football Injury List.
Poles noted that Amegadjie is working hard to get back and that everything is positive.
He did not have a specific timeline for the versatile rookie to return, though. Poles offered a similar report on defensive end Jamree Kromah. Kromah, an undrafted rookie free agent, will begin camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Kromah is dealing with a finger injury that required surgery, Poles said.
KPRC 2?s Aaron Wilson reported on X on July 19 that Kromah had passed his physical. The Bears also placed tight end Gerald Everett on the NFI list, marking arguably the biggest blow of all.
Droppin' dimes ? pic.twitter.com/moOSY7r0jU
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) May 22, 2024
Everett was signed in free agency from the Los Angeles Charges to complement Cole Kmet.
It remains to be seen what level of participation players like Braxton Jones and Nate Davis ? both of whom were sidelined for mandatory camp. Relaxed rules for injury reporting and designations during the preseason could mean updates will be few and far between.
Offense Expects to Hit Stride Right Away
Poles said that he wanted Caleb Williams to rely on the playmakers around him as the rookie gets settled into the NFL. Williams spoke of trying to use each day as a learning experience, saying he wants everything to click as soon as possible.
Kmet and wide receiver DJ Moore, however, have slightly different expectations. Both noted the excitement and talent level of the group.
The veterans said they are looking to hit the ground running.
Kmet noted how important it was for the veteran skill players to be there to prop Williams ? who joked about the tight end correcting him in the huddle ? up through the ups and downs. But there is no talk of easing Williams in.
Williams pointed to his backups, Brett Rypien and Tyson Bagent, as sounding boards.
Bagent and Rypien are each 2-2 as starters in their careers. Head Coach Matt Eberflus said the decision to pass on a veteran to start and groom Williams was based on belief in Williams.
No Vet Addition at DE (For Now)
One of the more notable admissions from Poles was that they were not looking to add a veteran at defensive end to start opposite Montez Sweat. The Bears have veteran DeMarcus Walker on hand. He was signed in 2023 to be a starter.
However, Poles said they were interested in seeing how some of their young guys develop during training camp.
The Bears drafted former Kansas EDGE Austin Booker in the sixth round of the 2024 draft.
Booker may not have the frame to start every down right away. But he could provide some supplemental juice behind Sweat and Walker, who also offers the versatility to slide inside on third downs. Kromah and Dominique Robinson could also factor into the mix.
Poles did offer a positive review of Yannick Ngakoue?s time with the organization, noting that the Bears? medical staff was a part of the veteran?s evaluation process after his ankle injury in 2023.
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However, he said they have not been a part of his rehab and did not say if they would reunite.
Rome Odunze?s Dual Mindset
Odunze was as excited to get to work as anyone who spoke on the day. He also gave a thoughtful answer when asked what he brings to the table that is different from Moore and Keenan Allen.
The rookie first said he preferred to not put either of his veteran teammates into a box in that way, adding that his goal is to complement them.
However, Odunze also said that his ?mindset is to be the best in the room.?
At 6-foot-3, he offers more size than Allen and Moore. That enhances his other advantage: his ability to high-point the football. Odunze earned praise after training with former NFL wideout T.J. Houshmanzadeh.
Moore remains the Bears? most versatile and top option in the passing game. But Odunze could offer some speed and power to that and the shiftiness and soft hands of Allen.
Eddie Jackson Reunites with Former Bears Teammate for Training Camp
This was not announced at Halas Hall. But Eddie Jackson had endured an extended stay in free agency since his release in February. Former teammate and ex-Bears guard Cody Whitehair quickly latched on with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Jackson, a fourth-round pick in 2017, is a two-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro. But he was left in limbo as roster spots dried up. That changed on Friday, with Jackson finding his way to a reunion with former Bears linebacker Roquan Smith with the Baltimore Ravens who open training camp on July 20.
Jackson agreed to a one-year deal, per ESPN?s Adam Schefter.
A Ravens-type move: Two-time Pro-Bowl safety Eddie Jackson reached agreement today with Baltimore on a one-year deal, per sources. A safety with six defensive TDs for the Bears now will bring his talents to Baltimore. pic.twitter.com/YEacDMkf9c
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 19, 2024
Jackson had been slowed by foot injuries over his last two seasons, having his resurgent 2022 campaign ended and his 2023 tour interrupted. The Bears signed former Philadelphia Eagles and Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard in free agency to replace Jackson.
Five players from the Bears? last trip to the postseason (2020) are on the 2024 roster entering training camp: Kmet, kicker Cairo Santos, receiver and return man De?Andre Carter ? who returned during the 2024 offseason ? cornerback Jaylon Johnson, and long snapper Patrick Scales.