Bears training camp report No. 11: Ben Johnson downplays concerns about injuries to DE Montez Sweat, others

Breaking down the Bears’ Monday training camp practice:

What happened

The Bears held a walk-through at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, a quick drive from Halas Hall, and it was short and light of an NFL practice as could be. They went about 50 minutes, didn’t wear helmets or pads and went at a trot pace as Caleb Williams steered the offense through plays with a backwards cap, but didn’t actually pass. The only real throwing that took place was cornerback Jaylon Johnson playing catch with fans in the bleachers.

Injury watch

Injured defensive end Montez Sweat, left tackle Braxton Jones, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson and wide receiver Zavion Thomas didn’t participate, but coach Ben Johnson told the Sun-Times on Monday that none of those are long-term concerns. He also said wide receiver Luther Burden will miss the rest of the preseason with a groin injury.

Those players and other injured Bears, including nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon and left tackle Ozzy Trapilo, signed autographs during practice.

What’s next?

This is going to be good. With an off day coming up Wednesday, the Bears will hold a scrimmage at Halas Hall on Tuesday afternoon that is closed to the public. It’s expected to be their most strenuous and competitive practice yet.

Decisions ahead

As the Bears approach their preseason opener Saturday against the Browns at Soldier Field, Johnson must decide if he’ll play his starters or let the Tuesday scrimmage suffice as their game-like work for the week.

Burden should be recovered and ready to play against the Panthers on Sept. 13, and coach Ben Johnson dismissed the injury as a non-issue.
The Bears are in trouble at all three levels of their defense, and it’s especially problematic in the secondary. They desperately need to shore up their depth if they’re going to survive injuries during the season.
Burden got tangled with CB Tyrique Stevenson on Saturday.
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