Bears 2024 training camp: Takeaways from Day 12

Training camp continues for the Chicago Bears, who held their 12th practice of the summer on Sunday morning at Halas Hall.

Chicago was back in pads for their fourth open practice of training camp, which comes before an off day heading into game week against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. According to Courtney Cronin, it was a rough practice all around for the Bears. While the offense struggled down three starting offensive linemen, the defense didn't fair much better down some key starters, as well.

Following the 12th practice of training camp, here are some quick takeaways from Sunday's workout:

Offensive line injuries mounting

The Bears were down to just one starting offensive lineman during Sunday's practice. And while it's only Aug. 4, it's hard not to be concerned about the state of the offensive line heading into a pivotal rookie season for quarterback Caleb Williams. Right guard Nate Davis was at practice for the first time since July 27, where he was in pads and participated in walkthroughs with the starters. But he later exited the field and returned without his pads as 7-on-7 got underway, an indication that he still isn't ready to go. Early on, left guard Teven Jenkins left the field with trainer Andre Tucker and did not return to the field. Also, right tackle Darnell Wright missed his third straight practice. Left tackle Braxton Jones was the only starting offensive lineman to participate (as Ryan Bates, competing for the center job, isn't a starter just yet). The result of those mounting injuries? A rough practice for the offense, that consisted of fumbled snaps and the defense winning the day.

Two-minute struggles for offense

The starting offense had a rough close to practice during the two-minute drills, which started with a "sack," fumbled snap and run by Roschon Johnson. According to Courtney Cronin, coach Matt Eberflus made the offense do the drill again. On the ensuing drill, things got off to a quick start as Williams connected with receiver DJ Moore for a first down. But the next plays consisted of a "sack" (where Williams scrambled and was ruled down), a pass breakup by linebacker T.J. Edwards and an incomplete pass intended for receiver Keenan Allen. The offensive line at the time: LT Braxton Jones, LG Jerome Calvin, C Coleman Shelton, RG Ryan Bates, RT Matt Pryor.

New looks along O-line, D-line, secondary with injuries

The Bears had a number of players sidelined during Sunday's practice (more on the complete attendance report below), including a number of starters that made for some lineup switch-ups. As mentioned above, the offensive line was the heaviest hit between Wright, Jenkins and Davis all sidelined during the team drill. As a result, Chicago's starting offensive line looked like this: LT Braxton Jones, LG Jerome Calvin, C Ryan Bates, RG Bill Murray, RT Matt Pryor. With Montez Sweat and Andrew Billings sidelined, Austin Booker and Daniel Hardy saw time with the first team in place of Sweat and Pickens stepped in for Billings at nose tackle. In the secondary, Terell Smith was in for Tyrique Stevenson, Jaylon Jones stepped in for Kyler Gordon and Elijah Hicks was in for Jaquan Brisker.

Another scuffle breaks out

The Bears had their second scuffle of the summer on Day 12 of training camp, which Nicholas Moreano classified as the first real "fight." It happened on the final play of 11-on-11, according to Greg Braggs, where it was rookie defensive end Austin Booker and left tackle Braxton Jones getting "scrappy" and "throwing hands" and they wound up on the ground. The players were there to break things up, but Braggs said it was the most heated fight of camp so far.

Play of the day

It was an overall sloppy day for the offense, down three starting offensive linemen, but things were solid during the 7-on-7 period, which is where the play of the day happened for the offense. According to the media, Williams connected with DJ Moore for a 35-yard touchdown, where the newly-extended receiver made a diving catch in stride for the score. It's clear that Williams and Moore are developing chemistry and the pair should account for some thrilling plays as the regular season gets underway.

Attendance report

The Bears were without a handful of players for Sunday's practice, including several key starters. As previously mentioned, the offensive line was down to just one starter (Jones) as Wright missed his third straight practice and Jenkins exited practice before team drills got underway. Elsewhere, defensive starters Montez Sweat, Andrew Billings, Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson and Jaquan Brisker were all sidelined. While Sweat didn't practice, Lester A. Wilting Jr. spotted him sprinting up the hill past the far end zone to get some work in.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears 2024 training camp: Takeaways from Day 12