4 standouts from Day 17 of Bears training camp practice

The Chicago Bears are in the thick of training camp practices as they inch closer and closer to the start of the 2024 season. Every rep counts for this team as they look to install a brand new offense with new playmakers, including rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.

On defense, the Bears are building off a successful 2023 season with many of the same starters in place. They will look to solidify themselves as a top defense, while role players on both sides try and make an impact to secure a roster spot when the preseason wraps up.

After every practice, we will be highlighting a handful of players who stood out and why. Wednesday featured the penultimate training camp practice open to fans and it was a short one at that. But those in attendance were treated to a competitive practice between the offense and defense, which produced a few key standouts on both sides. Here's who stood out during Wednesday's practice:

1. TE Cole Kmet

It seems like the receivers have dominated the conversation ever since training camp began, but don't forget about the tight ends and what they can do. Williams certainly hasn't. Cole Kmet had one of the best grabs of the day during Wednesday's practice when he caught a laser from Williams in the middle of the field for a gain of more than 20 yards. Kmet reeled in the reception in heavy traffic, and the play got the Bears in the red zone near the end of the session.

There are only so many balls to go around, and Kmet will need to compete with a handful of other players for targets. Even so, he's showing he fits right in with this offense and Williams.

2. DE Montez Sweat

This week has featured the return of a few prominent players who have missed time due to injury. None of them are more important than defensive end Montez Sweat, though, and he was sure to make his presence known by getting after the offense. On one particular play, Bear Report's Zack Pearson observed Sweat breaking through the offensive line and chasing down Williams. The quarterback was able to get out of bounds, but he was forced out by the Pro Bowl defensive end. That's the type of play Sweat brings, and now that he's back and getting through full team drills, expect to see it happen more often.

3. CB Kyler Gordon

Speaking of players returning to practice, cornerback Kyler Gordon is finally back after missing the last few weeks with a lower body injury. The starting nickel corner has to play catchup after missing so many reps, but he's off to a nice start. On Wednesday, Gordon made an impressive play to break up a pass from Williams that was intended for tight end Gerald Everett. The pass initially hit Everett in the hands, but Gordon was right there to pop it loose as he was attempting to corral it for the catch. The third-year defensive back looks like he hasn't missed a beat since being out.

4. WR/RB Velus Jones

Velus Jones was one of the stars of Tuesday's "Hard Knocks," and his 15 minutes of fame carried over into Wednesday's practice. Jones, who is working primarily as a running back at this point, continued to get worked into the group, and he produced results. According to multiple people in attendance, Jones had himself a nice day on the field. CHGO's Greg Braggs Jr. noted one play where he burst up the middle for what would have been a nice gain.

The most noteworthy part of Jones from Wednesday's practice, however, was his harrowing story about Crash, his pet ferret, that gained some attention from "Hard Knocks." Jones told the media the story about how he got Crash, what living with him was like, and so much more. It was one of the most memorable moments from camp, and it didn't even take place on the practice field.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 4 standouts from Day 17 of Bears training camp practice