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Bears, Dolphins plan for joint practices in August

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 6/28/21

The Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins will get a good look at each other before they face off in a preseason game on Aug. 14.

Adam Jahns of The Athletic reports the two clubs will get together for multiple joint practices in Chicago later this summer:

This should be fun. I’m told that the Bears will be hosting the Dolphins for a couple joint practices before their preseason game on Aug. 14. They will be at Halas Hall. The Bears’ plans to practice with the Broncos last year were scrapped because of the pandemic.
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) June 28, 2021

Such joint practices and exhibition contests were canceled last summer because of the COVID-19 pandemic but will take place this time around even though the majority of teams reportedly have not yet hit the 85% coronavirus vaccination threshold for players that will allow for the loosening of certain health and safety protocols.

The Bears are a fascinating team, as head coach Matt Nagy has repeatedly insisted that veteran Andy Dalton will start at quarterback over rookie and first-round draft pick Justin Fields. The club is also reportedly eyeing a potential move from the city to the suburbs that has been met negatively by pockets of fans, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and a certain franchise legend.

The Dolphins, meanwhile, are hoping second-year signal-caller Tua Tagovailoa can make positive strides after an up-and-down rookie campaign. Miami has also been linked with Houston Texans star quarterback Deshaun Watson in trade rumors, but it's unknown if the 25-year-old facing 22 lawsuits alleging sexual assault and misconduct will be cleared to play for any portion of the upcoming season.

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