Bears training camp notebook: Pads come on to start Week 2

Bears Put on the Pads, Luther Burden Returns as Training Camp Heats Up

Chicago Bears Training Camp - Day 5 - The Chicago Bears officially ramped up their training camp Monday, adding pads and physicality to the drills for the first time this summer. While the humid conditions had players sweating from the start, the intensity was palpable as rookies and veterans alike battled it out on the field.

Luther Burden's Return Brings Excitement

After missing the first four days due to a spring leg injury, rookie wide receiver Luther Burden finally made his debut Monday. Though limited to warm-up drills and agility work, Burden looked quick and agile, showing no signs of lingering issues. His return is a welcome boost for a Bears offense eager to see what he can bring to the table.

Establishing the Ground Game

With pads on, the Bears focused heavily on their ground game. Running backs D'Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson, and Kyle Monangai all saw plenty of action, with DJ Moore also getting involved in handoffs and pitches. Center Drew Dalman echoed this emphasis: "There's a lot to the run game...physical piece, which was on more display today...this feels like a step in a long process."

Loveland Shines as Tight End Duo Develops

Rookie tight end Colston Loveland continued to impress with his playmaking ability. He snagged an incredible leaping grab during 7-on-7 drills, showcasing the chemistry he's building with quarterback Caleb Williams. Meanwhile veteran Cole Kmet had a more mixed day, battling through a drop and a pass breakup while also securing a crucial catch in 11-on-11s.

Offensive and Defensive Line Battles Intensify

The introduction of pads brought an electrifying intensity to the offensive and defensive line battles. Grady Jarrett dominated Jonah Jackson early on, while Chris Williams consistently outmaneuvered All-Pro Joe Thuney. Kiran Amegadjie held his ground against edge rushers, with Braxton Jones, Ozzy Trapilo, and Amegadjie all seeing time at starting left tackle. Andrew Billings proved too much for rookie Luke Newman, while Daniel Hardy flashed potential over the right tackle. Gervon Dexter emerged victorious in a battle against Drew Dalman.

Center Exchanges Still Finding Their Rhythm

With Doug Kramer sidelined due to a leg injury, the Bears shuffled their center rotation. Luke Newman stepped up as the No. 2 center, working with veteran Case Keenum. However, both Newman and Dalman struggled with snap exchanges throughout practice.

Richardson Continues to Make Noise

Undrafted wide receiver JP Richardson lived up to the hype from his early camp performances, showcasing impressive quickness and route-running ability against a talented secondary. He even made a sideline catch while securing both feet in bounds. Special teams coordinator Richard Hightower confirmed that Richardson is "in the mix" as a potential punt returner.

Injury Updates and Other Observations

Doug Kramer's status remains day-to-day with a leg injury, while Shemar Turner is likely out for at least a month due to a leg injury. Defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon left practice with an apparent hand injury, and offensive lineman Bill Murray was hampered by an ankle issue. Running backs coach Eric Bieniemy commanded attention on the field with his energetic coaching style. Terell Smith and Tyrique Stevenson shared starting cornerback duties, while Nahshon Wright continued to fill in for Jaylon Johnson. Olamide Zaccheaus emerged as a reliable target for Caleb Williams, and Rome Odunze, Devin Duvernay, and Tyler Scott are all vying for the punt returner role. Chicago Bulls players Matas Buzelis and Ayo Dosunmu were spotted attending practice.