The pads are on, the offense is showing signs of real progress, and the Bears’ depth is already under pressure. Jon breaks down Caleb Williams’ response after a rough practice, the two-minute drive that actually matters, Coby Bryant’s eight-to-ten-week absence, the wave of defensive-back additions, Luther Burden’s reported groin injury, the unresolved left-tackle competition and what to watch when Cleveland visits Soldier Field for the preseason opener.

Gridiron SITREP: Chicago is an independent Chicago football intelligence briefing and is not affiliated with the Chicago Bears or the NFL.

The Bears have completed their first four non-padded practices of 2026 training camp. In Briefing 001, Jon breaks down the four issues that could decide Chicago’s season: Caleb Williams’ post-snap development, the reset at center and unsettled left-tackle competition, whether the defense can remain effective without relying on takeaways, and the health and availability of key defenders.

What matters, what’s noise, and what to watch once the pads come on.

Gridiron SITREP: Chicago is an independent production and is not affiliated with the Chicago Bears or the NFL.

*Disclaimer*

This is the first episode so, please "Bear" with me. It will get better as I get more comfortable speaking to... myself. Many thanks.