We’re rapidly crossing off the days until the start of the regular season, and while we’re not able to watch any NFL games today, Chicago Bears training camp is right around the corner. This will be your one-stop shop for all the necessary information about the Bears’ training camp this summer.
Everyone seems to be looking to the Detroit Lions as the next threat to take the NFC North from the Minnesota Vikings after Aaron Rodgers departed from the Green Bay Packers. But what about the Chicago Bears?
Justin Fields showed he could be one of the game’s most dangerous playmakers last season. The Bears have since improved the offensive line, and added weapons at the skill positions while investing heavily into the defense. The Bears are a team on the rise, and fans are pumped to get to Halas Hall for training camp to catch a glimpse.
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Let’s dive into our Chicago Bears training camp guide, previewing the schedule, top storylines, and frequently asked questions.
Chicago Bears training camp schedule
Chicago Bears training camp opens for Community Invite Day on Wednesday, July 26, but the first Bears practice starts on Thursday, July 27, at 11 AM ET. Gates open an hour earlier at 10 AM ET. The Bears will also be holding joint practices with the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts this summer.
- July 27 – Practice begins at 11 AM ET, gates open at 10 AM ET
- July 28 – Practice begins at 11 AM
- July 29 – Practice begins at 11 AM
- July 31 – Practice begins at 11 AM
- Aug. 1 – Practice begins at 11 AM
- Aug. 4 – Practice begins at 11 AM
- Aug. 8 – Practice begins at 11 AM
- Aug. 9 – Practice begins at 11 AM
- Aug. 10 – Practice begins at 11 AM
- Aug. 12 – Joint practice with Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field at 1 PM ET
- Aug. 19 – Joint practice with Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium at 7 PM
Top storylines for Chicago Bears training camp
Can this offense impress through the air?
We know Justin Fields can rival Lamar Jackson as the best rushing QB in the NFL, but how can he prove to the rest of the world that he’s more than just a threat with his legs? The Bears hope by adding three-time 1,100-yard receiver D.J. Moore to go with Chase Claypool, Cole Kmet, and a developing Darnell Mooney, that there is an abundance of talent in the pass-catching pool.
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Now Fields not only has an experienced, and proven route-runner in Moore who’s been highly productive, to go with the speedy Mooney along with emerging red zone threats in Claypool and Kmet. But even if his new weapons can get the separation needed to make life easy, he’ll still need more help elsewhere.
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Does Justin Fields have better protection?
We saw Fields take off as a runner a total of 160 times last season, and we don’t expect that to slow down any time soon. But in a perfect world, Fields won’t have to resort to using his athleticism to move the chains with his legs as often as he’ll be able to find time in the pocket and deliver strikes to his playmakers.
After the Bears trotted out one of the worst offensive line units in football a year ago, we’ve seen former lineman himself GM Ryan Poles invest in Darnell Wright by making him the 10th overall pick in the NFL draft back in April. Just 21 years old, Wright has a bright future ahead of him, but how quickly can he make an impact in the pros after making the leap from Tennessee?
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Seeing how the offensive line comes together as Fields heads into his third season of development is crucial for Chicago’s overall success. With a young trio of trenchmen in Braxton Jones, Teven Jenkins, and Wright to go with free agent signee Nate Davis, the Bears feel a lot better about their protection heading into training camp this season.
Who emerges as a pass-rushing threat?
The historically vaunted Bears defense came nowhere close to being intimidating last season under defensive specialist Matt Eberflus. They ranked dead-last in points allowed, while also finishing with the fewest sacks in the NFL. That’s just not a winning formula.
We saw the front office address the defensive line through the draft, adding Gervon Dexter in the second round and Zacch Pickens in the third. Fans are eager to see how the youth movement injects some fresh blood into the trenches for a team in desperate need of a playmaker.
The new-look linebacking corps
Getting more pressure can’t just fall on the shoulders of the defensive line, it also takes a lot of help from the linebackers. But the Bears signed arguably the top two free agent linebackers available this offseason, in two-time Pro Bowler Tremaine Edmunds and former Eagle T.J. Edwards.
They become immediate replacements for Roquan Smith, helping the fanbase forget about last year’s mid-season trade. Now that coach Eberflus has some linebackers that seemingly are a better fit for his scheme, how much better can this Bears defense be? We’ll get our first glimpse in camp.
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FAQ for Bears training camp
Where is Bears training camp 2023?
Chicago Bears training camp is located at Halas Hall in Lake Forest, Illinois. Halas Hall has served as the host for the Bears’ training camp since it was built in 2020, and that will continue in 2023.
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Can fans go to Bears training camp?
Yes, the Bears welcome all fans to their training camp practices. All attendees must have a mobile ticket to attend. Children under 32-inches tall will be provided admission with the company of a parent or guardian.
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Can you get autographs at Bears training camp?
Yes, the Bears will allow fans the opportunity to receive autographs from players after practices and at other times throughout camp.
How much does it cost to go to Bears training camp?
There is no fee for fans attending Bears training camp practices. Here is where attendees can get free mobile tickets, which are required for entry.
