Injuries Reshape Bears' Final Open Practice as Backups Step Into First‑Team Roles

Overview

• The final open practice on Tuesday saw several players leave early with apparent injuries, including right tackle Darnell Wright and defensive tackle Gervon Dexter, plus tight end Hayden Large and cornerback Dontae Manning.
• After Dexter departed, rookie Jordan van den Berg moved into first‑team defensive tackle reps beside Grady Jarrett and drew public praise from coach Ben Johnson for his consistent play.
• Braxton Jones continued to take every first‑team rep at left tackle while Ozzy Trapilo was in pads but did not join team drills, keeping the left‑tackle battle unresolved.
• On offense D'Andre Swift produced multiple long runs and a red‑zone touchdown and Rome Odunze made key red‑zone catches with Caleb Williams; backup Tyson Bagent returned to practice after a hamstring issue.
• The injuries heighten urgency for evaluations ahead of the joint practice with the Tennessee Titans and the preseason games, and they increase the chance the Bears will need short‑term depth moves given earlier camp absences such as Coby Bryant's season‑ending knee surgery.