Chicago Bears 2024 training camp update: Rookie QB Caleb Williams' offense struggles with consistency while Rome Odunze shines. Get the latest on the LT battle.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The national cameras descended on Halas Hall for 'Back Together Weekend,' but the Chicago Bears offense didn't quite look ready for its close-up. While the energy was palpable, the story of early training camp is one of contrasts: a highly-touted rookie offense searching for its footing, while gritty, unexpected battles for starting jobs are erupting on both sides of the ball.
'We're coming in with blank slates right now... we're going to let the competition play out and we'll see where it goes.' - Head Coach Ben Johnson
Let's get it out of the way: it's early. But the reports from the weekend are consistent—the Caleb Williams-led offense is experiencing some significant growing pains. Issues with deep ball accuracy, pre-snap penalties, and missed assignments have slowed momentum. While Williams is getting all the first-team reps and building chemistry with DJ Moore and Rome Odunze (who has been a highlight reel of contested catches), the unit's overall rhythm is off. The coaching staff is preaching patience, which is the right call for a rookie QB. However, fans are hoping to see the offense clean things up quickly as the pads come on and the preseason looms.
The most compelling fight in camp is unfolding on Williams' blindside. The left tackle position is a legitimate three-man race. Incumbent Braxton Jones, now fully cleared from ankle surgery, is being eased back in. But he's not being handed the job. Both second-round pick Kiran Amegadjie and rookie Ozzy Trapilo are rotating in with the first team. Head Coach Ben Johnson made it clear that performance, not draft status or history, will decide the winner. With GM Ryan Poles confirming Jones is 'ready to go,' this battle between the veteran, the high-upside prospect, and the dark horse rookie will be the one to watch every single day.
Every year, a surprise player emerges, and it looks like we have our first candidate. With Pro Bowl corner Jaylon Johnson still ramping up his activity following a leg injury, it's been former Cowboys pick Nahshon Wright stepping in with the first-team defense opposite Tyrique Stevenson. Wright has seized the opportunity, making plays and turning heads. While Johnson's spot is secure once he's 100%, Wright is making a very strong case not just for a roster spot, but for a significant role in the secondary. It's a great development for the team's depth.
On the injury front, the news is a mixed bag. The caution surrounding rookie receiver Luther Burden III's lingering soft-tissue injury is becoming a bit concerning. He remains 'day-to-day,' and his availability for the preseason is now in question. On the plus side, the team remains relatively healthy otherwise, with no new injuries reported from Sunday's practice. The roster is also stable, with no transactions made, as the front office is clearly in full evaluation mode.
While the social media team gave us glimpses of highlight-reel plays, the underlying story from 'Back Together Weekend' is one of hard work and fierce competition. The primary task for Coach Johnson's staff is clear: get the offense in sync and eliminate the costly mental errors. As the intensity of camp ratchets up this week, all eyes will be on Caleb Williams' response to these early challenges and the roster battles that are shaping the 2025 Chicago Bears right before our eyes. The pieces are there, but the puzzle is far from complete.
