Bears Training Camp Observations: Tension Boils Over at End of Pad Practice

Bears training camp observations: Tension boils over at end of practice with pads originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Tensions ran high during the Bears’ final public practice of training camp near the end of a workday Tuesday at Halas Hall.

The Bears have been fighting for over a month now. With the preseason finale looming, it’s clear they’re ready to take their frustrations out on someone in a different uniform.

During one of the last team sessions of the day, tensions ran high.

First, undrafted rookie running back Ian Wheeler was blown into the hole by defensive tackle Gervon Dexter. Pushing and shoving ensued, with Dexter and left tackle Braxton Jones exchanging words. The jostling and shoving continued for a while after the play before Bears teammates finally calmed Dexter down.

The next play reached a new level when Velus Jones took a handoff to the right. Linebacker TJ Edwards connected with Jones, and then fellow linebacker Tremaine Edmunds appeared to take the running back to the ground.

Tight end Cole Kmet immediately jumped into the field and grabbed a defender, leading to a team-wide push and shove that saw several players jump onto the pile while the players in the middle engaged in a heated battle.

Eventually the players broke free and several emerged from the pile without helmets.

When practice resumed, the Bears’ first offense began a drive to the end zone to end practice.

Quarterback Caleb Williams led the offense down the field and capped the drive with a fourth-down touchdown pass to tight end Gerald Everett. Everett mistimed his jump, but got one foot and one knee down before cornerback Tyrique Stevenson pushed him out.

The big play on the drive came on a deep pass to Keenan Allen, which likely would have resulted in a big hit by Stevenson in a real game. Allen made the catch, and Stevenson pulled up and dabbed him up after the play to acknowledge what would have happened in a real live situation.

Nickel backed coach David Overstreet and admonished officials for the decision, saying, “This isn’t the Big 10.” Overstreet’s tirade drew a laugh from general manager Ryan Poles, who was watching from the sidelines.

Here are more notes from the Bears camp’s final open day:

— Safety Kevin Byard remains sidelined with what coach Matt Eberflus described as a soft-tissue issue. Eberflus said the ailment is not serious and Byard is expected to return soon. Byard had not missed a practice in his career due to injury until Monday.

— Offensive lineman Ryan Bates, cornerback Jaylon Jones, long-snapper Patrick Scales, wide receiver Collin Johnson, defensive end Jacob Martin and defensive tackle Zacch Pickens were among those who did not practice.

— After participating in only individual work on Monday, safety Jaquan Brisker participated in a portion of team drills on Tuesday. The third-year safety is back on track to full participation, but appears close.

— The Bears’ defense stymied Williams all day.

During one team period, the offense failed to complete a pass due to constant pressure from Montez Sweat, Gervon Dexter and Andrew Billings. The series ended with a quick sack by Edmunds. The linebacker came on a blitz and flew past Everett to sack Williams.

Slot cornerback Kyler Gordon also tackled Williams later in the day, prompting a loud celebration from Overstreet.

— Safety Quindell Johnson intercepted a pass from Tyson Bagent and returned the ball for a touchdown during a team practice.

— Undrafted quarterback Austin Reed threw a nice off-platform pass to tight end Brendan Bates for a big gain.

— Williams’ play of the day was an off-platform dot to Tyler Scott down the sideline. Williams rolled to his left and let fly an off-balance laser to Scott. The sophomore receiver got both feet inbounds before being pushed out.

— The Bears’ first-team squad will have a heavily guarded practice on Wednesday after Eberflus announced that the “majority of starters,” including Williams, will not play in Thursday’s final exhibition game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

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