Tag: bears otas

How Bears CB Jaylon Johnson is staying involved despite skipping OTAs

While Jaylon Johnson hasn’t been at Bears OTAs, he’s been staying involved.

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The Chicago Bears are in the middle of the second week of organized team activities, where cornerback Jaylon Johnson is among the four players who haven’t been at practice.

Johnson’s absence at OTAs has been one of the biggest headlines in an otherwise quiet offseason. Johnson has made it known that he’d like to have a contract extension in place before the start of the regular season, which could explain his decision to forgo voluntary workouts.

Still, the fact that these are voluntary practices shouldn’t be cause for concern. Even if coach Matt Eberflus would like everyone to be in attendance.

“We’d like everybody here,” Eberflus said. “We feel it’s invaluable to be here.”

While Johnson hasn’t been on the practice field, he’s been staying involved virtually. Defensive passing game coordinator Jon Hoke said that Johnson has been participating in meetings via Zoom and watches practice film. He also texts questions on a regular basis to Hoke.

“I think he’ll be here sooner rather than later,” Hoke said.

As for whether that’s as soon as mandatory minicamp in two weeks, which runs June 13-15, that remains to be seen. But Eberflus believes Johnson could even show up for the final week of OTAs.

“He’ll probably be here for mandatory minicamp,” Eberflus said. “Hopefully next week. Potentially.”

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10 takeaways from Day 5 of Bears’ 2023 OTAs

The Bears conducted their fifth practice of OTAs on Wednesday. Here’s what we learned:

The Chicago Bears kicked off their second week of organized team activities (OTAs) at Halas Hall.

Chicago conducted their fifth voluntary OTA practice on Wednesday, which was the second open session to media. So there was plenty to glimpse from the second week, be it through practice or interviews.

There were plenty of storylines that came out of Wednesday’s practice, including some standout rookies, attendance updates, Cody Whitehair’s transition back to center and how cornerback Jaylon Johnson is staying involved despite skipping OTAs.

Following the Bears’ fifth practice of OTAs, here’s what we learned:

Bears’ Cody Whitehair downplays move back to center: ‘It’s like riding a bike’

It’s been a smooth transition for Bears OL Cody Whitehair moving back to center: “I’ve kinda done this my whole career.”

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The Chicago Bears made the offensive line a priority this offseason, which included the new additions of rookie Darnell Wright and Nate Davis. But there was also some shuffling along the interior, including Cody Whitehair making the transition from left guard to center.

Whitehair has played every position along interior of the offensive line since being drafted by the Bears in 2016. So making the switch from left guard to center this offseason has been a smooth transition for the eight-year veteran.

“I’ve kinda done this my whole career,” Whitehair said Wednesday at OTAs, via Patrick Finley. “… I’m used to it.”

Whitehair said he was informed earlier this offseason that they were moving him back to center. Whitehair appreciated the heads up as it allowed him time to work on the consistency of his snap.

“It’s kind of like riding a bike,” he said.

Whitehair replaces the departed Sam Mustipher, who started all but one game last season at center as Lucas Patrick, who was brought in to start, battled injuries.

While Whitehair hasn’t played center since 2020, it’s a position he’s quite comfortable with. When looking at Whitehair’s resume, he’s actually started more games at center (60) than at left guard (43) and right guard (3).

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Bears OTAs: Who was missing during Wednesday’s voluntary practice in Week 2

There were four Bears players absent during Week 2 of voluntary OTAs, including Jaylon Johnson, and others who sat out.

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The Chicago Bears conducted their fifth voluntary workout on Wednesday, where media were in attendance and got to take in some of the action. That included a look at whether there was any change with attendance during voluntary OTAs.

According to NBC Sports Chicago’s Josh Schrock, there were four players who weren’t present on Wednesday: safety Eddie Jackson, wide receiver Darnell Mooney, cornerback Jaylon Johnson and guard Nate Davis. All four players weren’t present during last week’s open practice.

Wide receiver Chase Claypool, running back D’Onta Foreman, linebacker Jack Sanborn and offensive linemen Lucas Patrick and Alex Leatherwood were all present but not participating.

Bears coach Matt Eberflus addressed Claypool’s absence, where it sounds like he’s dealing with a soft tissue injury.

“Sometimes you get some soft tissue stuff and there’s no reason to risk it at this point,” Eberflus said.

Jackson and are returning from injuries suffered last season. Jackson suffered a Lisfranc injury and Mooney suffered a fractured ankle during Week 12 last season.

Johnson is one of two players (also Davis) not present who are fully healthy, as confirmed by Matt Eberflus last week, and able to participate. Johnson is entering a contract season, and he made it clear he wanted to have a contract extension in place before the start of the 2023 season.

While these are voluntary practices, Johnson’s absence continues to loom large. But if Johnson doesn’t show up for mandatory minicamp in mid-June, then it might be cause for concern.

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Bears DC Alan Williams says plan is for Kyler Gordon to play nickel

Bears CB Kyler Gordon will once again split reps between nickel and outside cornerback in 2023.

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It was a rollercoaster of a rookie season for Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon, who was the team’s top draft pick last year.

Gordon’s season got off to a rough start, where opposing quarterbacks picked on him rather than take a chance against top corner Jaylon Johnson. That included allowing 10 catches on 13 targets for 163 yards and two touchdowns against the Packers in Week 2.

But Gordon improved as the season wore on, which included three interceptions in his final eight games. While he proved to be more efficient down the stretch, Gordon still has plenty of room for improvement heading into his second year.

Gordon had a heavy workload, where he played both nickel and outside cornerback for the Bears, which isn’t easy for a rookie.

Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams indicated Wednesday that Gordon will once again play nickel cornerback. Only this time, it’ll be exclusively.

Williams also noted that Gordon is more relaxed this year.

“His RPMs are not always in the red,” he said, via Herb Howard. “He’s mentally alert, but physically calm.”

Chicago drafted cornerback Tyrique Stevenson in the second round of the NFL draft, where the rookie is expected to start opposite Johnson on the outside when the Bears are in their nickel defense.

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Bears LB Tremaine Edmunds taking command in defensive room

While there’s plenty to love about Tremaine Edmunds’ skillset, it’s the leadership aspect that’s stood out to Bears HC Matt Eberflus.

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The Chicago Bears’ biggest free agent addition was linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who signed a massive four-year, $72 million deal this offseason.

Edmunds was one of the NFL’s best linebackers last season, where he’s coming off a career year. He’s been a solid run defender and improved significantly in coverage last season with a 90 grade from Pro Football Focus.

While there’s plenty to love about Edmunds’ skillset, it’s the leadership aspect that’s stood out to Bears coach Matt Eberflus.

“He really takes command in the defensive room, and he gives great suggestions and he’s very smart,” Eberflus said, via ChicagoBears.com. “Obviously, he has the size and the range and the speed and all those things that he has physically. But I would just say the leadership [stands out].”

While he’s only 25 years old, Edmunds has already played five seasons in the NFL. He’s got plenty of experience to draw from when it comes to mentoring some of the younger guys in the linebacker room, including Jack Sanborn and rookie Noah Sewell.

Not to mention, the duo of Edmunds and fellow free-agent addition T.J. Edwards shores up the middle of Chicago’s defense for the next three years.

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LOOK: New Bears DL Andrew Billings is a mountain of a man

The Bears’ new run stuffer, Andrew Billings, is a massive human being.

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The Chicago Bears’ defensive line was the team’s biggest weakness during a disappointing 3-14 season. It was a focal point for general manager Ryan Poles this offseason, who added some new faces to the mix.

While it’s far from a finished product, there are some new additions who should help shore things up along the defensive front. That includes veterans Andrew Billings and DeMarcus Walker, as well as rookies Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens.

The Bears’ Twitter account shared a clip of the defensive line during Organized Team Activities last week, which included a look at Billings, who is a massive human being.

Billings will be tasked with clogging up running lanes on a defense that struggled mightily against the run last season, which is exactly what Chicago needs.

Dexter, a second-round rookie, also stood out in this brief video, where his fluidity at 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds is impressive. He’s got an impressive combination of power and movement that was evident in this video.

Granted, this is a 23-second video clip of a drill during voluntary offseason workouts, so you can’t overreact to it one way or the other. The real work begins once the pads come on in training camp, where we’ll get our first true look at this new-look defensive line.

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DJ Moore already making waves at Bears OTAs

The Bears kicked off OTAs last week, where DJ Moore has already showcased his speed and playmaking ability.

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The Chicago Bears have a new elite weapon in DJ Moore, who will give quarterback Justin Fields the No. 1 wide receiver he’s been missing.

The Bears kicked off Organized Team Activities last week, where Moore has already showcased his speed and playmaking ability. That included beating Kindle Vildor for a diving catch during Tuesday’s open practice.

“The first thing I (noticed) is speed,” said coach Matt Eberflus, via ChicagoBears.com. “I just saw that (Monday), and I was like ‘wow.’ There’s a different gear there, you know? That was exciting to see.” 

While Moore certainly has impressive speed in his arsenal, he’s an all-around playmaking threat for a Bears passing game that lacked a true WR1 last season. Moore has everything you’re looking for in a top wideout.

“It’s rare when you’ve got a guy that can run the route and have the route discipline that he has and the football IQ that he has, and then also that speed and that talent he has,” Eberflus said.

Fields has been impressed with Moore’s combination of “strength, speed, body control, [and] great hands.”

“He knows how to use his body to get open,” Fields said. “That’s a big part in receivers. He knows how to tip a route, so he’s rarely ever going to be running 100 percent on all the routes. He has that second gear to go get the ball. I think that’s what makes him a great receiver, just his understanding of the coverages, seeing the defense well and stuff like that.”

Even Moore’s defensive teammates have noticed what he brings to the table, and how he can help take the passing game (which ranked last in 2022) and offense to the next level.

“When a play needs to be made, to have a guy to make those plays, obviously it means a lot to our team,” said linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. “That’s another guy that makes you excited about what’s to come.”

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Bears’ Eddie Jackson, Darnell Mooney are ‘where they’re supposed to be’ in rehab

Bears HC Matt Eberflus said the team expects Eddie Jackson and Darnell Mooney back “soon.”

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The Chicago Bears kicked off Organized Team Activities last week, where there were some veterans who were notably absent, including safety Eddie Jackson and wide receiver Darnell Mooney.

Jackson and Mooney had a good reason for not being in attendance at OTAs, as they continue to rehab from injuries suffered during the 2022 season.

Jackson was in the midst of a bounce-back season before suffering a foot injury in Week 12 against the New York Jets. It was revealed that Jackson sustained a Lisfranc injury, which landed him on injured reserve and ended his season.

Mooney’s season was cut short after he suffered an ankle injury against the Jets in Week 12. Mooney had surgery on his injured ankle, and he’s in the middle of rehabbing it.

Bears coach Matt Eberflus provided injury updates on Jackson and Mooney, explaining they are “progressing right along where they’re supposed to be” in their rehab.

“It’s all positive and we expect them back soon,” Eberflus said. “When they’re back, they’re back. When the medical staff clears them, they’ll be cleared.”

The ideal scenario is Jackson and Mooney will be ready to go for training camp in late July. But we’ll have to wait and see where they’re at in their rehab.

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Bear Necessities: Recapping the first week of 2023 OTAs

In our weekly newsletter, we’re recapping the first week of Bears OTAs.

This is our weekly online morning newsletter, Bear Necessities. Subscribe to get the latest Bears news delivered to your mailbox every day.

What’s the latest with the Chicago Bears?

The Bears kicked off Organized Team Activities last week, which included three of 10 practices ahead of mandatory minicamp. One of those practices was open to the media, which gave us some storylines to digest.

Here’s a look at the most recent and relevant Bears stories for the week of May 21.