5 Takeaways from Week 2 of Bears 2025 training camp

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3 days ago

The Chicago Bears have put together two weeks of training camp, which have consisted of eight practice (including three with pads on). That includes the longest workout of the summer on Thursday, which spanned two and a half hours ahead of another pair of padded practices on deck.
Head coach Ben Johnson has established a high standard with this team, which has featured some impressive performances from big names and others looking to make an impact en route to a roster spot. But there were some players who showed up through this second week of practice (Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8), including some top rookies and the most important player on the roster.
Following the second week of training camp, here are our takeaways from what transpired during the four practices:
1. The offense is starting to come together
The first week of Bears camp was all about the defense and how the offense was struggling to muster any sort of momentum. That started to change during the second week. Quarterback Caleb Williams and the rest of the unit started putting things together, operating more successfully, and creating bigger plays in both the pass and run game. That was evident on Thursday when Williams had his best day and the receivers were dialed in, catching nearly everything thrown their way.
It feels like the coaching Williams is receiving is starting to stick, and both he and Ben Johnson agree. "He is so much more comfortable right now," Johnson said on Tuesday. "His process is really clean right now; I'm talking about how he's preparing. I'm really pleased with it. He's doing the work behind the scenes that no one else is seeing, and we're starting to see the dividends being paid from it."
Stacking good practices together is what you want to see, even if they're not perfect. Williams and the entire group improved throughout the week, and the goal is to carry that into the next set of practices.
2. DJ Moore could be a realistic option at running back
One of the first things we saw when the Bears took the field Monday was DJ Moore working with the running backs during warmups. Not the receivers. Moore took a number of handoffs and pitches during individual drills, then saw action during team drills later on. It's been something that has become more regular this week as Moore has been featured at the position quite a bit. We likely won't see him make a drastic position change, but we could see Moore handle a few carries each game this year. And not just the jet sweeps we saw in 2025.
Moore can be elite when the ball is in his hands and plays the position much like Deebo Samuel, who averaged 45 carries a season during his last four years. We'll see if it comes to fruition, but don't be surprised to see No. 2 lined up behind No. 18 when the games begin.
3. Jaylon Johnson's injury may be more severe than initially thought
Through eight practices, the Bears have been relatively lucky when it comes to injuries. They did lose rookie defensive tackle Shemar Turner for nearly a month, but no starters have suffered any major injuries on the practice field. The lone exception has been cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who remains on the NFI list a week and a half after the Bears reported to camp.
The initial prognosis of Johnson's injury did not seem too serious, and it seemed that he would be back at some point during camp. Johnson put that timeline into doubt, however, on Thursday when he discussed the star defensive back's injury. "I think there is a scenario where he will be ready for Week 1, and that is really the target day," Johnson said. "I know he is working hard and diligently to get there for that, and with those types of injuries that he's got, you just never know. You never know. It's still early in that process, but I know he's attacking that rehab really well."
Initially, it didn't seem like Johnson would be in any danger of missing Week 1, and though Johnson talks about that still being a target, it feels more uncertain than it did a week ago. That's not exactly comforting. Johnson could just be tempering expectations, and the goal is to get Johnson back by Week 1 anyway. But his injury will be something to continue to monitor.
4. Outside cornerback is far from settled
With Johnson sidelined, the Bears have been working in multiple players at outside cornerback, and it's a position that is still up for grabs. Just ask defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. "I think it's completely up for grabs," Allen said earlier in the week. That means Tyrique Stevenson, Terell Smith, Nahshon Wright, Nick McCloud, Tre Flowers, and more are all competing for the spot opposite Johnson when he returns.
The silver lining with Johnson sidelined is that the Bears can get more looks at these other players. Wright has impressed the coaching staff, as he has been the predominant starter in Johnson's absence. Stevenson and Smith have the experience with the rest of the secondary, and McCloud is turning heads at times, too. Even Kyler Gordon will see time at the outside spot, a change from the last two years. At this point, it's anyone's guess as to who will emerge as the starter.
5. Luther Burden can be a difference maker
Last week, Luther Burden was turning into Kevin White in the eyes of Bears fans. This week, he may as well be the best wide receiver in team history. He has only practiced three times in team settings, but Burden is making the most of his opportunities as of late since he returned from a lower leg injury. Over the last two practices, the rookie out of Missouri has made multiple plays, both with underneath routes and deep patterns.
Burden is quickly getting acclimated to the offense, and even though it hasn't been perfect, he's showing the skills needed to be a difference maker in this league. Of course, he still needs to prove it during games, especially ones that count in the standings. No one should be doing victory laps yet, just like there shouldn't have been concern about his injury a week ago. That being said, he's showing he has the capabilities of becoming a different maker and someone who can be dangerous with the ball in his hands. That's all you can ask for at this point.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 5 Takeaways from Week 2 of Bears 2025 training camp