Chicago Bears receiver punched Bengals cornerback

Imagn Images

Chicago Bears receiver punched Bengals cornerback

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Aug 20, 2026 4:56 PM ET

Tensions were high on Thursday during the joint practice between the Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals.

The Bears offensive line has a reason to be upset after the way Bengals defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence disrupted his opponents’ running and passing game.

But it was a Chicago wide receiver who showed some of the most passion during the practice.

Per Sean Hammond of the Chicago Tribune, receiver Ray-Ray McCloud punched a Bengals cornerback who was surrounded by his Cincinnati teammates. The punch led to a skirmish that didn’t end well for McCloud.

“Bears WR Ray-Ray McCloud throws a punch at a Bengals DB,” Hammond posted on X. “McCloud was surrounded by Bengals DBs with no backup, he chose to take a swing anyway. Skirmish ensued. Bengals piled onto McCloud. It eventually calmed down.”

Bears right tackle Darnell Wright had a minor altercation with a few Cincinnati defenders as well.

Chicago Bears had a couple dicey moments with Bengals

Jan 5, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears offensive tackle Darnell Wright (58) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

“Darnell Wright gets into a minor shoving match with some Bengals defenders,” Hammond wrote. “Bengals D-line had a good last series.”

Thursday’s practice offered the Bears a chance to hit someone with another’s team’s jersey on. It’s not surprising that a few fights broke out during the practice. Chicago’s players need to play with a chip on their shoulders like they did last season, though they can’t throw punches during regular-season games.

The Bengals starters are not expected to play during Saturday’s game, and it’s likely that the Bears will rest their starters again before having a joint practice and final preseason game with the Tennessee Titans next week, so any drama between Cincinnati and Chicago on Saturday will come from the backups and reserves.

Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent is still dealing with a hamstring and is not expected to play Saturday. That should give Case Keenum and Miller Moss more opportunities against the Bengals.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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