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Bears coordinator drops subtle clue that could decide who sticks in a crowded backfield and preseason hasn’t even started yet

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Kole Noble | Last updated Aug 4, 2025 2:49 PM ET

Later this week, the Chicago Bears will host a joint practice and a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, giving the coaching staff the first real opportunity to see how certain players are looking.

Preseason games are especially important for players on the roster bubble that need to stand out in order to secure a final roster spot before cuts happen. A big way to do so is by standing out on special teams, which is easier to do in a live game setting compared to a practice environment.

Heading into game week, special teams coordinator Richard Hightower dropped a subtle clue on which players have stood out to him in the meeting rooms when it comes to knowing the plays/details and his answer could have an impact on who makes the roster in a crowded RB position.

"Someone that's really always on the details of quizzes is Travis Homer. He's extremely competitive, he's always front and center on that stuff with the quizzes," Hightower told reporters. "To stay in the running back room, with rookies, Kyle [Monangai] is extremely smart. . . He's on his details."

The praise for Monangai is to be expected at this point. Head coach Ben Johnson has brought up the rookie's professionalism and attention to details multiple times this offseason since the team selected him in the seventh-round of April's draft. In fact, on Sunday, Johnson even said Monangai will be a player the team can trust this fall.

The praise for Homer is what is really notable here. Homer spent the last two seasons playing in Chicago totaling 419 snaps on special teams. That impact and familiarity with Hightower prompted the front office to give him a one-year contract to return to the team in 2025.

After drafting Monangai and signing Deion Hankins as an undrafted free agent, Homer quickly became a forgotten name in the suddenly crowded RB room, especially once 2024 UDFA Ian Wheeler returned to the field at the start of camp.

Yet, it's clear Hightower still has some trust in Homer knowing the details and being able to be a impactful player for his special teams unit again in 2025. Once the first preseason game rolls around on Sunday, we'll really see how much of an impact Homer can show on the field.

If Homer's play can back it up, it could push players like Wheeler and Hankins off the roster with hopes of returning on the practice squad.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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