Keep in mind that everyone in the Bears‘ rookie class is, theoretically, a Ben Johnson guy. Whatever he thought of the roster when he took the job in January, every acquisition since then has his fingerprints on it.
But that doesn’t appear to be gaining the rookies anything at the moment. No matter how much he likes what tight end Colston Loveland (No. 10 pick), wide receiver Luther Burden III (second-rounder) and running back Kyle Monangai (seventh-rounder), he’s not ready to fully trust them.
“Trust, that’s a strong word,” Johnson said after starting all three in the 24-24 tie with the Dolphins on Sunday to open the preseason. “I don’t know if I can say that yet for those three guys.
“We’re trending the right direction. I loved the look in their eyes pre-game. I’m happy with all three of those guys and where they’re headed, but that trust will take a little bit of time.”
When asked the week before which pass catchers he trusts, Johnson had no hesitation in naming DJ Moore, Cole Kmet, Rome Odunze and Olamide Zaccheaus, so he’ll give it when it’s earned.
The rookies, and everyone else, continue their quest to claim roles for the upcoming season when the Bears resume practice Monday afternoon. They’ll take Tuesday off, then hold regular practices Wednesday and Thursday before a joint practice with the Bills at Halas Hall on Friday.
A choppy training camp didn’t get any better Monday, when pre-snap glitches and throwing accuracy remained problematic.
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The Dolphins’ offense looked so bad in a joint practice Friday with the Bears that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was asked about it after the preseason game between the teams Sunday.
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He likes where his rookies are headed, and Colston Loveland, Luther Burden III and Kyle Monangai started the preseason opener against the Dolphins, but they’re not ready for September yet.
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