Chicago Bears rookie as coaching staff’s attention

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Chicago Bears rookie as coaching staff’s attention

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Aug 25, 2026 3:50 PM ET

The Chicago Bears are in their final week of training camp, making the next few days critical for the 90-man roster to impress the coaching staff before the roster gets trimmed to 53 players on Sunday.

In the meantime, the Bears will have a joint practice with the Tennessee Titans on Thursday before the two teams play in their preseason finale on Saturday.

During his news conference on Tuesday, Bears head coach Ben Johnson praised sixth-round pick Jordan van den Berg, suggesting the rookie defensive tackle could receive significant playing time early in the season based on his performance in camp and during the preseason.

“He’s a beast,” Johnson said of van den Berg, via CHGO Sports. “He’s an incredible athlete. He has been the same guy every single day. It’s a good thing to see right now. He’s firmly in the mix.”

Chicago Bears need improvement from their DTs

Jan 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Grady Jarrett (50) celebrates after a sack against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Van den Berg could see his role grow as a rookie. It will be interesting to see if the Georgia Tech standout can fight for a starting spot before the end of the regular season. He’s been the most physical defensive lineman during the preseason.

The Bears lost Andrew Billings, now with the Arizona Cardinals, in free agency. Chicago signed Kentavius Street and Neville Gallimore to boost the interior defensive line behind Gervon Dexter and Grady Jarrett.

Johnson praised the interior defensive line on Tuesday, arguing he thinks it’s better than the Bears are getting credit for, despite Chicago trying to trade for Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea this summer.

“I think our interior defensive line is better than the outside world is giving them credit for,” Johnson said.

Van den Berg could become a key part of that unit’s rotation. The Bears were underwhelmed by Jarrett’s performance last season. Dexter, a 2023 second-round pick, is on a contract year.

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

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