Chicago Bears training camp: Takeaways from Day 8

USA Today

31-07-2025

The Chicago Bears were back at Halas Hall for the eighth practice of training camp on Wednesday, which featured some intriguing developments in the third padded practice of the week.
The Bears passing offense put on a clinic in what head coach Ben Johnson previewed would be the longest practice to date, and it certainly was an intense session. Quarterback Caleb Williams and the starting offense thrived in the passing game, where he connected with rookie Luther Burden III and veteran Olamide Zaccheaus throughout practice. Burden had a monster performance, connecting with all three quarterbacks, and it's clear he's hitting his stride on his second full day of practice.
Here's what we learned from the eighth practice of training camp, from Caleb Williams' best practice of camp to Luther Burden's playmaking speed.
Offense had its best day of camp
Before Thursday's practice, head coach Ben Johnson laid it all out on the table. This eighth workout would be the longest practice of camp and held roster spot and job implications. Which makes it even more impressive that the starting offense had its best day and was absolutely "firing," per Courtney Cronin, and "putting on a show," per Michal Dwojak, in the passing game. Quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent each thrived with their respective units, where rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III proved to be their favorite target. The only struggles for the starting offense came during the two-minute drill when they went four-and-out, per Dan Wiederer, that included an instant pressure sack and Williams turning the ball over on a fourth down scramble, which was intercepted by Tyrique Stevenson. Still, this was the best day for the offense so far -- and it came on the biggest stage so far.
Caleb Williams was dealing
While there were some early concerns about Caleb Williams' struggles to start training camp (which were by design by the coaching staff), he's shown progress as he's put together back-to-back-to-back "best practice so far." According to Larry Mayer, Williams had his best practice so far, which included some impressive throws: "Perfect touch floating long passes to Luther Burden and Olamide Zaccheaus and rifling completion to DJ Moore over middle." Greg Braggs said that Williams was "dialed in" and was "spraying the ball all over the field." 79th & Halas Podcast noted that the Bears were bringing the heat on Williams, and he still had his best workout of the summer. Every day, Williams appears to get more confident and comfortable in this offense.
Rookie Luther Burden continues to flash
It's only been two days, but it's clear the Bears have something special in rookie wideout Luther Burden III, who's been the standout performer for the past two days. But Wednesday's impression was just the appetizer for what was a monster practice for Burden, who succeeded with all three quarterbacks (Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum), per 79th & Halas Podcast. Before Thursday's practice, head coach Ben Johnson raved about Burden's "play speed," and that was on display in this session. According to Ryan Baker, it's "even more impressive in person." Burden made some impressive catches with the first and second team offenses throughout the day, where Alex Shapiro noted that "sometimes he's getting himself open, sometimes he's making grabs with solid coverage." Mark Carman said Burden "looked like the best receiver on the field."
Olamide Zaccheaus continues to be a standout
While it was the Luther Burden Show on Thursday and Rome Odunze and DJ Moore have been turning heads, there's been one standout flying under the radar in Olamide Zaccheaus. According to Mark Carman, Zaccheaus has impressed throughout training camp and Thursday saw "sharp routes" and "diving catches." Zaccheaus' best play of the day came when he hauled in a deep ball from quarterback Caleb Williams during 11-on-11 work, per 79th & Halas Podcast. The Bears receivers room is stacked with Moore, Odunze and Burden, but Zaccheaus is challenging for reps given his playmaking ability.
Tyson Bagent impressed during reps with second team
There's a competition brewing at backup quarterback between Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum, where the pair have been rotating with the second team throughout training camp. It was Bagent's turn with the second-team offense on Thursday, and he put on a show -- showcasing his connection with rookie wide receiver Luther Burden, which included back-to-back play-action completions from Bagent to Burden, per Dan Wiederer. "The second included a crisp route from the rookie and very nice touch on the throw from (Bagent)." @JAYChi_Bears added that Bagent connected with Burden "multiple times today for first downs and deep balls." But Bagent's strong showing is nothing new. According to Wiederer, Bagent "has looked incredibly comfortable through the first two weeks of camp."
Offensive line struggled
The Bears starting offensive line has been solid for most of training camp, but Thursday's practice wasn't their best showing. It's worth noting that starting right guard Jonah Jackson remains day-to-day with a leg injury, so it wasn't the entire starting line. But according to 79th & Halas Podcast, the offensive line had a "rough day" with "false starts and botched snaps." The two-minute drill at the end of practice also wasn't pretty, and the offensive line played a role. According to 79th & Halas Podcast, there was "a lot of pressure coming" which resulted in Caleb Williams throwing an interception to cornerback Tyrique Stevenson on the final play of a "shaky" two-minute drill. Williams was sacked earlier in the series to set the offense back. Not the best day for the offensive line.
Bears eyeing Week 1 return for Jaylon Johnson
Before Thursday's practice, head coach Ben Johnson provided an update on cornerback Jaylon Johnson's potential return. Johnson suffered a leg injury while training before camp started, and we were told he'd miss a few weeks. But now it sounds like could be longer. As far as best-case scenario for Jaylon Johnson's return, Ben Johnson said "there is a scenario where he will be ready for Week 1" against the Minnesota Vikings, but also "it's still early" in his rehab process. It's not the most encouraging update, considering Johnson was originally supposed to miss a "few weeks," which indicated he would be back at camp at some point. But this latest timeline means he could miss closer to two months and puts his status for the start of the regular season in jeopardy.
Long snapper Scott Daly carted off field
The Bears have been pretty healthy at this point of training camp, outside of Jaylon Johnson (who injured himself before camp began). But there was an injury during Thursday's practice that could have implications. According to Courtney Cronin, long snapper Scott Daly was carted back to the locker room near the end of practice indicating he could have an injury. It's definitely concerning for the starting long snapper, but it's worth noting they have undrafted rookie Luke Elkin on the roster (who snapped the ball to punter Tory Taylor at Iowa). And Patrick Scales, the long-time Bears punter, remains a free agent. If healthy, he could be an option should Daly's injury be serious.