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Bears-Titans Joint Practice Preview + 53-Man Roster Predictions | Chicago Sports Tonight
Fox Chicago's Cassie Carlson is joined by Dan Wiederer of The Athletic at Halas Hall as the Chicago Bears gear up for their second joint practice of the preseason against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville. The top story from practice: All-Pro right tackle Darnell Wright left Tuesday's padded practice with trainers tending to his right arm. With the left tackle spot between Braxton Jones and Theo Benedet still unresolved, any time missed by Wright creates massive troubleshooting across the entire offensive line. Plus, the crew breaks down Ben Johnson's coaching points for Caleb Williams following his deep-shot choice to Colston Loveland on 1st-and-20. Finally, Cassie and Dan look ahead to Sunday's tight 53-man roster cutdown deadline, evaluating bubble players like wide receiver Kaden Davis, running back Roschon Johnson, and an impressive defensive tackle group featuring rookie Jordan Vandenberg.
Two key pieces of the Chicago Bears' defensive line will not be available this week or this weekend for a joint practice and preseason game with the Titans.
Bears coach Ben Johnson offered updates for Austin Booker and Gervon Dexter Sr. before Thursday's joint practice with the Titans.
What we know:
Both Booker and Dexter did not travel with the Bears to Nashville this week. They won't be available for the joint practice, nor will they be available for Saturday's preseason game vs. the Titans.
Booker's injury has more of a timeline. Johnson said he has a groin injury that will keep him sidelined on a week-to-week basis, and it seems that he'll be out this week. Dexter has a hamstring injury, and did not practice all week.
There is some good news. Johnson said All-Pro right tackle Darnell Wright re-aggravated the arm injury that plagued him for all of last year. But, he will be practicing against the Titans.
What we don't know:
Without clear timelines from Johnson, it's not clear when either Booker or Dexter will be back.
If Booker misses time to start next week, it puts his status for Week 1 against the Panthers in doubt. Dexter's hamstring injury might also put his status for Week 1 in doubt as well if he can't return to the practice field next week.
What they're saying:
The Bears have placed a priority on players who are healthy and available. The coaches have made that clear during this preseason and in training camp.
Johnson did note how there are players on Bears' roster who make it know they're not content with being sidelined.
"We have almost the entire roster fighting their tails off to get back out on the field," Johnson said. "They do not like missing time. They want to be out there competing, they want to be out there with their teammates."
The Source: Information was gathered by FOX Chicago's Chris Kwiecinski from Bears coach Ben Johnson's pre-practice press conference.