The Chicago Bears have high expectations for their draft class, but they can only fulfill them if they stay on the field. Tight end Colston Loveland had a slow start to the offseason program but has already flashed TE1 potential since returning to the field during training camp. Wide receiver Luther Burden III also drew some pointed remarks from Ben Johnson early but has since begun to earn the trust of quarterback Caleb Williams.
Both players are great as Johnson looks to bring some of the secret sauce that made the Detroit Lions one of the best offenses in the NFL. But the defense got some reinforcements of its own when a rookie made his highly-anticipated return in Friday’s joint practice with the Buffalo Bills.
Bears rookie DT Shemar Turner is suited up for practice for the first time since Day 1 of camp.
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) August 15, 2025
Bears Rookie DT Shemar Turner Returns to Practice After Ankle Injury
Shemar Turner was another important piece to the Bears’ draft class to add depth along the defensive line. While Chicago signed Grady Jarrett on the first day of free agency, Turner was taken in the second round last April and has been learning under the former Pro Bowler’s wing.
Unfortunately, Turner suffered an ankle injury on the first day of training camp that has kept him sidelined for the past three weeks. But the Texas A&M returned to the practice field in full pads as the Bears welcomed the Bills on Friday afternoon.
Turner was a menace for the Aggies during his collegiate career, totaling 115 total tackles, 10 sacks and 24 tackles for loss over four seasons. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler had him ranked as his No. 6 defensive tackle in this year’s draft and praised him for his active motor aggressiveness.
While Turner was productive, he’s far from a finished product. One of the biggest things he needs to work on is his overzealousness as he committed 12 penalties during his collegiate career including six last season. He also had trouble with his conditioning as he “labored” through this spring’s minicamp.
The first step in that process to get Turner back on the practice field where he can push for playing time alongside Jarrett, Gervon Dexter Sr. and Andrew Billings. If Turner can make up for lost time, he should be a key contributor to the Bears’ pass rush and fulfill some of the potential for this draft class.