Bears vs. Dolphins: 8 players to watch in Sunday's preseason game

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a day ago

The first preseason game of the year has finally arrived for the Chicago Bears. For most of the team, at least. The Bears are set to take on the Miami Dolphins at Soldier Field for an exhibition on Sunday afternoon, but many notable players will not be dressing.
Head coach Ben Johnson indicated on Friday that quarterback Caleb Williams and most of the starters on offense and defense will not be active for the game after both squads took part in a joint practice up at Halas Hall.
Instead, backup quarterback Tyson Bagent will get the nod as he works with most of the second-string offense in Johnson's head coaching debut. Even though the starters won't be taking the field, that doesn't mean there aren't key players worth watching. Here are the players we're keeping an eye on when the Bears and Dolphins square off:
1. QB Tyson Bagent
Bagent is getting the start, but that doesn't mean his role as QB2 is secured. The third-year quarterback still needs to stave off veteran Case Keenum, and Bagent can build a lead with a solid preseason performance. Reports out of camp have been mostly positive regarding Bagent. He knows where to put the ball and has made a handful of highlight plays with the second- and third-string players. This will be the first extended look at Johnson's offense, too, so let's see how Bagent does in the new system.
2. RB Kyle Monangai
Rookie running back Kyle Monangai is set to make his Bears debut, and he should see quite a few snaps as he battles for the change-of-pace role behind D'Andre Swift. Monangai and third-year back Roschon Johnson have rotated throughout camp, and there is still not a clear favorite between the two when it comes to the backup job. This could be a big opportunity for Monangai, and fans will get a glimpse of the rookie's punishing running style in an actual game setting.
3. WR Luther Burden III
One of the most-hyped rookies coming into this weekend has to be wide receiver Luther Burden III, especially following his electric second week of training camp. Last week, Burden was all over the place with highlight catches on both short and deep routes. While he was a bit quieter over the last few days, he has the chance to make an explosive play with the second-team offense, assuming he plays. With how much time Burden missed this offseason due to injuries, he could use the reps. And Bears fans would love to see the second-round playmaker in action.
4. WR JP Richardson
The 2025 training camp darling finally gets his chance to become a preseason darling. Undrafted wide receiver JP Richardson has made the most of his opportunities up to this point thanks to his big highlight catches and rapport with Bagent. Now, he can stand out even more at Soldier Field in front of a couple million viewers watching. Richardson should see many snaps throughout the day, playing well into the fourth quarter. He could have the Bears faithful pounding the table for him to make the initial 53-man roster. It happens every year with someone, and Richardson is the most likely candidate.
5. OT Ozzy Trapilo
Another rookie worth watching is tackle Ozzy Trapilo, one of the few players who has seen extended time with the starting offense that will suit up on Sunday. Trapilo is in a battle with veteran Braxton Jones for the starting left tackle spot, and it's too soon to tell which one will rise to the top. The Bears intend to keep the competition open until the last possible moment, so Trapilo will need to show why he deserves the job. At 6-foot-8, he won't be hard to miss on the field.
6. DE Austin Booker
Many Bears defenders shined during Friday's joint practice, but not everyone ran over a Dolphins offensive tackle on their way to the quarterback. Defensive end Austin Booker had a very productive day, and he's going to want to add onto that during the preseason game. Booker has a chance to become the primary rotational defensive end behind Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo this year. He was a preseason hero last year, and now with a bulked-up frame, he's primed to do it again against a shaky Dolphins offensive line.
7. CB Nahshon Wright
One of the players that has turned heads consistently throughout camp has been Nahshon Wright. The veteran who last played for the Minnesota Vikings came in as a player who would have been lucky to not end up on the practice squad. Instead, he has been starting in place of Jaylon Johnson due to an injury and has done a phenomenal job, picking off passes and preventing completions. We'll see how much playing time Wright gets on Sunday. The earlier he goes out, the more likely he is to make the initial roster when the cutdowns take place. If Wright can shine, it will be time to start talking about what impact he can make during the regular season.
8. S Tysheem Johnson
The Bears' safety group appears to be set on paper, but rookie Tysheem Johnson is someone capable of throwing a wrench into things. Johnson has made key interceptions multiple times throughout camp and laid some pretty nasty hits as well. He embodies what defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is looking for, and Sunday is a prime audition opportunity for him. He's someone who should create a turnover during the game, which would boost his stock tremendously.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs. Dolphins: 8 players to watch in Sunday's preseason game