10 Bears Likely to Miss Hall of Game After Sitting Out Wednesday's Practice

The Bears saw multiple players not participate in their split-squad practice on Wednesday.
May 23, 2024; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus speaks during organized team activities at Halas Hall.
May 23, 2024; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus speaks during organized team activities at Halas Hall. / Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
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The Chicago Bears will open the 2024 NFL preseason slate on Thursday night in the Hall of Fame Game against the Houston Texans. It will be the first opportunity for Bears fans to get an early look at the 2024 team and players competing for roster spots.

On Tuesday, head coach Matt Eberflus told reporters that rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the starters won’t play in the Hall of Game. Then on Wednesday, Chicago held a split-squad practice ahead of Thursday’s game. 

However, a few notable players were missing, which could be a sign they won’t suit up against the Texans.

According to Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic, Montez Sweat, Darnell Wright, Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson, Andrew Billings, Nate Davis, Gerald Everett, Jacob Martin, Travis Homer, and Ian Wheeler didn’t practice.

Based on some of the players listed, it’s not surprising we wouldn’t see them playing in the preseason opener on Thursday night. Since this is considered an extra preseason game for both teams, the Bears can afford to give the second and third-team guys more reps. 

The Bears' backups won’t get this many opportunities until potentially the final preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Aug. 22. Head coach Matt Eberflus already knows what he’s getting from players such as Sweat, Gordon, Everett, and Wright.

That said, fans shouldn’t have high expectations for the first preseason game and should enjoy the action to kick off Hall of Fame weekend.

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