7 Bears Playing for Their Jobs in the Hall of Fame Game
2. Brett Rypien, QB
Speaking of the backup QB situation, Bretty Rypien is sure to get an extended look in this matchup as the current No. 3.
The career backup spent the 2023 campaign with three different teams, but his patience eventually paid off, as he earned a start for the Los Angeles Rams in Week 9. It went incredibly poorly, though, as the Boise St. product posted just 130 passing yards and an INT in a 20-3 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Rypien's done better in spot starts before, leading the Denver Broncos to a pair of wins during his time in the Mile High city, so he'll need to put 2023's showing behind him if he's going to earn a role in Chicago.
QB3 is a sneaky-important position, as that person has a chance to suit up in any contest if both quarterbacks ahead of him are forced out. While Rypien may be the early favorite for that job, rookie Austin Reed presents a serious threat to unseat him if the vet doesn't perform well.
3. Roschon Johnson, RB
Running back is another area of Chicago's roster that features fierce competition. The addition of Pro Bowl RB D'Andre Swift this offseason has now given the Bears a clear lead back, raising the expectations for the No. 2 role.
There's already been rumblings that veteran Khalil Herbert is a cut or trade candidate after his struggles with availability, and this game could push Ryan Poles further in that direction if Roschon Johnson shines.
Poles and co. clearly think highly of Johnson after using a fourth-round pick on him in last year's draft. He also got some legitimate work within this offense as a rookie, handling 81 rushing attempts that he turned into 351 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson showcased his dual-threat potential as well with another 34 receptions (on 40 targets) and 209 yards.
The fourth-rounder could very well be the future of this backfield, especially with Herbert on the last year of his rookie deal, but a dark horse contender like Chicago won't just settle at a key position. That means Johnson has to outright win this role to squeeze Herbert out, and a good showing versus the Texans is a good place to start.