5 Bears With the Most to Prove in Preseason Week 1

2. Ryan Bates, RG

Ryan Bates was brought in initially to compete for the starting center role with Coleman Shelton, but with Nate Davis battling injuries once again he has found himself in the right guard slot with the starters the last couple days of practice.

Bates served as a backup in Buffalo before coming to the Bears so will likely get his first start against his former team. The Nate Davis saga is one most Bears fans are familiar with and not happy about. Coach Eberflus may have put him on the spot in a presser earlier this week when he mentioned injuries can definitely make a guy lose his starting spot. If Bates can show that he is a quality starter at right guard during preseason, he may find himself jumping Davis as the starter come week 1 against the Titans.

3. Tyson Bagent, QB

Tyson Bagent was the fairy-tale story of the Bears last year after going undrafted out of D2 Shepherd and earning a spot as the third QB behind Justin Fields and Nathan Peterman to start the year. He eventually was promoted to second-string and then ended up starting 4 games for the injured Fields. He played average in those games and went 2-2. Bagent is not going to wow anyone with arm talent or 60-yard scrambles, but he always looks poised and makes quick decisions which is about all you can ask for in a backup quarterback.

Brett Rypien was brought in this offseason likely due to his relationship with new offensive coordinator, Shane Waldron. He has bounced around the league a little bit after going undrafted in 2019. He played the majority of the snaps a week ago in the HOF and looked pretty good for what that is worth. He was 11/15 passing for 166 yards and three touchdowns. It was just a HOF game where many guys playing will not make the roster, but if he continues to shine he may push Bagent for the backup role. Bagent will need to step up in the preseason when given his chance.