3 Bears Playing for Their Jobs in Training Camp

The Chicago Bears are getting an early start on training camp since they play in the Hall of Fame game. There are not many roster battles going on during this year's training camp. Ryan Bates and Coleman Shelton will battle it out for the starting center spot.

Otherwise, it will be mostly guys competing for spots toward the end of the roster.

That does not mean there are some veterans on the roster bubble. Three veterans in particular will must have an impressive camp if they hope to make the final 53-man roster.

Nate Davis

Davis was general manager Ryan Poles' major free-agent signing last year to bolster an offensive line that was terrible in 2022.

He battled injuries and a personal loss during last year's training camp. That led to him struggling for most of the season.

The loser of the Bates and Shelton position battle will likely be the swing guard, and do not forget that Jy'Tyre Carter also showed some potential that he can at least be a replacement-level lineman. If Davis has another tough camp, he could be out of a job.

He does appear to be healthy and ready to go for camp.

However, cutting him before Week 1 will carry a hefty dead cap number.

Dominique Robinson

He was drafted in 2022 as a project, and so far it is failing miserably. The edge rusher has produced just two career sacks in two seasons since he was drafted in the fifth round.

Robinson's inability to produce a pass rush has gone so bad that the Bears had to draft another project edge rusher in Austin Booker during this year's draft.

The only thing working in Robinson's favor is the Bears are thin at edge rushers. If Poles signs a veteran to bring into a camp, then Robinson's days could be numbered.

Velus Jones Jr.

Poles' first draft pick on offense has produced next to nothing. The new kick-return rules have suddenly breathed new life into his career.

This is where he has a chance to prove he can contribute. If he is unable to be a weapon in the revamped return game during the preseason, then he is probably on the outside looking in when it comes to the wide receiver group.

Especially since the Bears added Keenan Allen and drafted Rome Odunze to pair up with D.J. Moore. Second-year receiver Tyler Scott still has way more promise to be a solid fourth wide receiver than Jones Jr.

So taking a few kicks to the house is probably in Velus' best interest if he wants to make the 53-man roster.

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