Bears Getting Healthier as Two Starters Return

Originally posted on FanNation Bear Digest
By Gene Chamberlain | Last updated 8/16/23

The Bears finally started to show they were healthier when they practiced Wednesday evening against the Indianapolis Colts.

Both starters DeMarcus Walker and Nate Davis took the field wearing pads for practice, although they're still being brought along slowly or "ramped up" after their injuries. They missed two weeks of work, including the first preseason game.

Wide receiver Chase Claypool hasn't returned yet, nor has safety Jaquan Brisker. Also absent from practice still are center/guard Lucas Patrick, cornerback Josh Blackwell and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds.

A new concern came up at practice as Eddie Jackson left at one point Wednesday and did not return.

Defensive coordinator Alan Williams was asked if Jackson was all right.

"I'm assuming he is," Williams said. "I always assume the positive, that he is until they tell me different. So right now I'll say yes."

The absence of Edmunds, in particular, as well Walker, Brisker and now Jackson kept Williams from making a full assessment of how sharp his defense really is. He tried, anyway.

From all observations, they still looked good against Colts QB Anthony Richardson.

"I don't know if … I'd say we're ever arrived," Williams said. "We always want to improve."

Even the eight sacks and 11 quarterback hits in the preseason opener won't get Williams to take a leap ahead.

"I can't answer that question now because we have guys that are starters that aren’t in there, so I'm looking forward to our guys getting healthy so we can gel," Williams said. "I don't know just yet.

"We always want to turn the ball over, stop the run, develop identity in terms of our rush. Can I answer that later for you?"

Williams did find one flaw but came away from the first preseason game with a better opinion of what his team has group has accomplished, even with reserves at several positions.

"I would say there we need to fit up the run a little bit better, that would be one," Williams said. "I love that we hit the quarterback at a high rate. So that's improvement. I love the way we took away the football. That's improvement. And we took it a way. There were some plays that they just didn't give it to us—we took it from them."

This article first appeared on Bear Digest and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: