The Bears are making progress toward getting two key defenders back by their Sept. 8 season opener.
Star cornerback Jaylon Johnson did a light workout at Soldier Field on Sunday before the preseason game against the Bills. It was his first time doing any work in public view while recovering from a leg injury. Defensive lineman Shemar Turner, who hasn’t practiced in full since hurting his ankle the first day of training camp, also worked out.
General manager Ryan Poles initially said Johnson would miss “a few weeks,” and he was “not overly concerned” about anything long term. He has now missed close to a month of training camp, though, and coach Ben Johnson recently said the goal is to have him back for Week 1 against the Vikings.
The upside to Johnson’s injury is that it has allowed defensive coordinator Dennis Allen to audition Nahshon Wright with the first team. Wright, a 26-year-old journeyman, has been the surprise of camp and is challenging for Tyrique Stevenson’s starting job.
Terell Smith also has cut into Stevenson’s reps at times over the last three years, but he suffered what appeared to be a serious knee injury late in the first half and was carted off the field.
When Johnson returns, Allen will have a tough choice to make. While Stevenson was a starter the last two seasons, there are ongoing concerns about his composure and discipline. Additionally, at 6-4, Wright fits Allen’s ideal makeup for a corner. Stevenson is 6 feet tall.
Turner, meanwhile, is missing crucial experience in his acclimation to the NFL. The Bears aren’t counting on him to be a starter this season but used a valuable draft pick on him at No. 62 overall and expect him to be a factor at defensive tackle and end as they try to build “waves” of depth up front like the defending champion Eagles.
Series of snafus
There was a delay late in the first quarter as the NFL tried out its new virtual measuring system for a first down.
On first-and-10 at the Bills’ 42-yard line, Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent completed a pass to Maurice Alexander that was ruled a 10-yarder for a first down. Then, after some confusion among the officials, referee Clay Martin announced that there would be a virtual measurement.
That led to the ball being ruled 15 inches short, which would’ve set up second-and-one, but the Bills followed up by challenging Alexander’s catch and were successful.
After several minutes, the Bears were back to second-and-10 at the 42.
Running backs dwindle
The Bears didn’t plan to play top running back D’Andre Swift for long — he didn’t get a carry in limited action in the first quarter — and didn’t have much behind him. Backups Roschon Johnson, Kyle Monangai and Travis Homer have been out with injuries.
That left a great opportunity for Deion Hankins, but he left with a knee injury after three carries for 10 yards. The Bears leaned instead on Brittain Brown, whom they signed last week, and he came through with a one-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter.
Notes
The Bears sat two of their oldest players, guard Joe Thuney and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. Neither player is believed to have an injury. Sixth-round pick Luke Newman started for Thuney, and Chris Williams started for Jarrett.
† The Bears sent No. 3 wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus out to return the Bills’ first punt. Two-time Pro Bowl specialist Devin Duvernay likely is still their top option at punt and kick returner.
† Quarterback Case Keenum remained out with a leg injury, leaving most of the game to Bagent and fourth-stringer Austin Reed.
† Bulls forward Matas Buzelis and Sky forward Maddy Westbeld were in the building and watched warmups from the sideline.
