Sunday night's game saw the Chicago Bears give starters a chance to prepare for the regular season. Caleb Williams had an especially noteworthy performance after facing a heavy load of criticism throughout camp and the early preseason. One could easily argue that this dominating performance was more than enough to have the team ready for Week 1.
It appears that head coach Ben Johnson may agree with this sentiment, noting that the Bears have a padded practice scheduled for Wednesday and are focused on following their regular-season routine in this final preseason week.
Ben Johnson on the starters playing in Friday’s preseason finale: “We’ll talk about it as a staff. … I know we’re going to have a good padded practice on Wednesday.”
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) August 18, 2025
Highlighted the importance of nailing the routine of a home night game, “which is what we have Week 1.”
Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson Hints at Benching Starters in Preseason Finale
This may very well be a hint toward sitting Chicago's top players in the finale. This plan involves giving the starters as close to a game week as possible by following their usual in-season routine, but it doesn't require them to suit up. In fact, the Bears would be better off featuring players in the running for roster spots to play in the finale exhibition instead.
Opting to protect his players in the final game of the preseason makes sense for a number of reasons. The most obvious being the fact that we've seen more than enough reps in camp and the second preseason game to believe the unit is ready. Risking health days before an important season opens simply feels like a risk that isn't worth taking.
This is what Johnson's comments indicate and what the expectation should be for Bears fans. Playing at home against the Minnesota Vikings is the next time Williams should take the field along with the rest of Chicago's starters. This past week's 38-0 victory over the Buffalo Bills was enough to excite coaches and give reason to believe the starters are more than ready for the season opener.
For Johnson, it is an incredibly difficult line to walk as reps have increased importance with the new offense. However, you're one key injury away from being questioned as to why a key piece was on the field in a game with no meaning. The flip side of this is arguing the importance of reps in a new system. Regardless, based on the recent results, it seems Johnson is making the best possible decision in protecting his players.