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Bears rookie offensive tackle Braxton Jones is gearing up for his first NFL action when Chicago hosts the Chiefs for their preseason opener Saturday.
It’s certainly been an eventful journey from the NFL draft to right now, where Jones has gone to an undervalued rookie out of Southern Utah to the likely starting left tackle for the Bears.
Jones credits defensive end Robert Quinn for helping his development. Jones has been going against Quinn throughout training camp, where he’s held his own — and also learned — going against the All-Pro edge rusher.
While it’s been beneficial going against a multitude of defensive ends — including fellow rookie Dominique Robinson — Jones said it’s been valuable facing skilled veterans like Quinn, who are quicker to the point.
“I think the biggest thing for me is just the quickness of it,” Jones said. “Going against maybe a rookie — no offense to any of the rookies or anything like that — they’re just not as quick to the point. He’s really quick to the point. He’s on you like that. That’s the biggest thing for me, that might not even be win or loss. I think just getting used to that quickness and his reaction time is amazing. So, I think that’s one of the big things too.”
While Jones admits that he still has a ways to before until he gets used to the speed of the game, he said he has a better understanding of how fast it is. Going up against Quinn has certainly helped with that. Live game action should do the same.
- The Bears returned to Halas Hall for their final practice before Saturday’s preseason opener against the Chiefs. Here’s what we learned from Thursday’s practice.
- Here’s a play-by-play recap of all of the action from Day 13 of training camp.
- We also took a look at some of the players who stood out during Thursday’s training camp practice.
- The Bears wide receivers group can’t seem to catch a break. Here are some free-agent depth options they could target.
- Bears WR N’Keal Harry underwent surgery on his ankle on Thursday morning, and his timetable for return is eight weeks.
- Matt Eberflus revealed how much we can expect to see the Bears’ starters during Saturday’s preseason opener on Saturday.
- Former Bears HC Matt Nagy will make his return to Soldier Field when the Bears and Chiefs open the preseason. Nagy commented on his return to Chicago.
- This could be the group of veterans held out of Packers preseason opener. READ MORE ON PACKERS WIRE.
- Vikings not ruling out bringing in another backup QB. READ MORE ON VIKINGS WIRE.
- Lions acknowledge WR Jameson Williams will miss at least Week 1. READ MORE ON LIONS WIRE.