The Chicago Bears hit the practice field at Halas Hall on Wednesday morning for the first practice of training camp under second-year head coach Ben Johnson.
It was a closed practice, but the media have started to share observations. It was a light practice that lasted less than an hour and a half to kick things off as they ramp up before the pads come on later in camp. After last year’s rough start for the offense, it sounds like they’re much more organized to kick camp off, and it was the defense that had some hiccups.
As far as attendance goes, it doesn’t sound like there were any notable absences, outside of previously reported players on the NFI and PUP lists, including defensive end Montez Sweat, linebacker T.J. Edwards and cornerback Kyler Gordon.
Here are some observations, from media members in attendance, following Wednesday’s training camp practice:
Light practice to open training camp
#Bears first practice of training camp in the books. Pretty light day of practice lasting around 75 minutes. pic.twitter.com/JCk94fCHDZ
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) July 29, 2026
Bears training camp practice #1 in the books. Pretty light work as they ramp up to first day in pads. Good to see the Caleb Williams Rome Odunze connection again at camp. We’ll hear from 18 shortly. pic.twitter.com/ceLpKMQjW3
— Matt Zahn (@mattzahnsports) July 29, 2026
Offense looked organized
Bears training camp practice No. 1 is in the books:
– The offense isn’t re-writing records but looked organized, much better than the first few weeks of camp last year.
– The defense had more pre-snap flags than the offense from what I saw. pic.twitter.com/TA6dNMpoiY— Chris Kwiecinski (@OchoK_) July 29, 2026
Nickel cornerback update with Kyler Gordon sidelined
The Bears’ first practice of training camp is in the books. A shorty during an OTA-like ramp up week at Halas Hall. Not a whole lot of significance from today’s work on Fields 1 and 2. In Kyler Gordon’s absence, early 1 nickel reps to Jaylon Jones. Lewis + Blackwell mixing in.
— Dan Wiederer (@danwiederer) July 29, 2026
Jaylon Jones, Josh Blackwell and Malik Muhammad all had reps as the nickel.
It was Jones with the starters for most of practice. #Bears
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) July 29, 2026
Dennis Allen got his up-and-downs
Dennis Allen wanted up-downs and he’s going to get his up-downs. pic.twitter.com/RE7uSNpMPM
— Chris Kwiecinski (@OchoK_) July 29, 2026
Left tackle competition
Practice No. 1 of Chicago Bears training camp is in the books. No surprise absences. Jaylon Jones earned first team looks at nickel, Cam Lewis and Josh Blackwell worked in there too.
Braxton Jones worked with first team at left tackle. Kiran Amegadjie with second team. pic.twitter.com/mlpjHHi8tI
— Michal Dwojak (@mdwojak94) July 29, 2026
Position battle updates
#Bears wrapped up a low-key, 90-minute practice.
Saw Cam Lewis and Jaylon Jones rotate in at nickel CB, among others.
Braxton Jones with the 1’s at LT and Garrett Bradbury at C.
As part of CBA-mandated acclimation period, there won’t be full pads until Monday.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) July 29, 2026
Ruben Hyppolite II bulked up
Something notable out there was that it looks like Ruben Hyppolite bulked up a bit this offseason.
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) July 29, 2026
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears training camp observations: Offense more organized on Day 1
