Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams delivered a sharp performance during a padded training camp practice, capping a two-minute drill with a touchdown pass to Luther Burden. Meanwhile, coach Ben Johnson addressed safety Coby Bryant’s ongoing knee injury recovery as veteran Cam Lewis stepped into first-team reps.
The Chicago Bears returned to padded practice with a competitive edge as the team navigates health concerns and roster positioning at Halas Hall. Quarterback Caleb Williams put together a strong showing during Thursday’s session, highlighted by a precise two-minute drill that tested both the starting offense and defense under game-like conditions. The active day on the field also brought personnel adjustments as the coaching staff evaluates depth across the roster.
Caleb Williams Leads Sharp Two-Minute Drill and Offense Sparks
The No. 1 offense concluded the workout with an impressive situational drive, starting at their own 35-yard line with 1:41 remaining and trailing by three points according to team reporting. Williams completed all six of his pass attempts for 53 to 60 yards, depending on the outlet, finding five different receivers along the way. Running back D’Andre Swift opened the drive with a 16-yard rush around the left end, establishing momentum before Williams orchestrated the aerial attack.
Key completions to Colston Loveland and Kalif Raymond moved the chains deep into opposing territory. Though defensive lineman Austin Booker temporarily disrupted the rhythm by dropping Swift for a four-yard loss, Williams answered by hitting Rome Odunze for an eight-yard first down. The drive culminated when Williams connected with Luther Burden III for a short touchdown strike across the back of the end zone.
“It doesn’t matter if the defense knows what we’ve got. As long as we know what we’ve got, everything will work. Also, with the time left, we can run a little bit too. So got a chance for that, [to] kind of implement some run game, and then some guys get physical because they’re running the ball. I think we threw a bubble [screen] at one point and Rome was blocking his butt off, so you’ve just got guys doing a lot of stuff.”
Kalif Raymond, wide receiver
The only blemish on Williams’ day was an interception thrown to cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, though Stevenson immediately fumbled the ball back to the offense on the return run.
Injury Updates and Cam Lewis Stepping Up at Safety
Defensive depth faced a test as the team evaluated the secondary following an injury to safety Coby Bryant during Monday’s practice. Coach Ben Johnson told reporters that the team remains in the information-gathering phase regarding the timeline and severity of the knee issue.
“We’re still in the information collection phase on that in terms of the timeline and the extent of it. We should have more information here within the next few days.”
Ben Johnson, head coach
In Bryant’s absence, veteran free-agent acquisition Cam Lewis took over first-team reps at safety. Lewis, who signed in March after seven seasons mostly contributing on special teams for the Buffalo Bills, spent the early part of camp splitting time between safety and nickel back according to team coverage. He noted that the transition allows him to oversee the entire secondary scheme.
“It’s been going good. I’ve been playing safety for four or five years now. I like the position, but [I’m] just learning the defense here, the communication, running the show back there, just getting adjusted to it.”
Cam Lewis, safety
Physical Trench Work and Special Teams Precision
The trenches saw heavy physical play during a 9-on-7 inside run period that excluded wide receivers and defensive backs. Pass rusher Austin Booker expressed enthusiasm for the aggressive scheme implemented under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
“Shoot, we love it. That’s our mentality this year. We’re getting off the ball. We’re being aggressive and getting in the backfield.”
Austin Booker, defensive lineman
On special teams, kicker Cairo Santos turned in a flawless performance by converting all six of his field goal attempts. Santos drilled kicks ranging from 33 yards out to a long distance of 56 yards, displaying strong leg work during the team’s kicking drills.
The Bears take Friday off before returning to Halas Hall for an 8:30 a.m. practice session on Saturday.
Related reading
