Bears 2024 training camp: Takeaways from Day 8

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

Following back-to-back padded practices, the Bears had a light, non-padded workout on Monday, which was held inside at the Walter Payton Center due to weather. Chicago's offense bounced back following a couple of rough practices from an operational standpoint in what was a red-zone focused workout. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams also had some highlight-worthy throws, including to fellow rookie Rome Odunze ahead of Thursday's preseason opener against the Houston Texans in the Hall of Fame Game.

Following the eighth practice, here are some quick takeaways from Monday's workout:

Smooth operation for offense

Following back-to-back rough outings, the offense rebounded on Monday with a solid practice that featured smooth, clean operation. During Friday and Saturday's padded workouts, the unit committed 10 false starts and one delay of game. It was the first time they had committed multiple pre-snap penalties this summer. According to our Brendan Sugrue, the offense had just one pre-snap penalty (a delay of game) on Monday, but it was a "smooth" operation. Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron was pleased that the offense "operated at a high level," where they cleaned up their pre-snap penalty issues from the weekend.

Red zone focus on Day 8

Coming off a day off, the focus was on red zone work during Monday's practice. And after a couple of rough workouts in pads, the Bears offense bounced back with a solid outing during a light, 90-minute practice. According to Sean Hammond, Williams had "HIGHLY impressive touch" during one red zone session, where he had perfectly placed touchdown passes to receivers Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze for six points during 11-on-11.

Chicago's top rookies shined

While Monday's practice wasn't nearly as intense as Friday and Saturday's padded workouts, there were still plenty of highlights, including from the Bears' top rookies. Quarterback Caleb Williams and receiver Rome Odunze were impressive during one 11-on-11 period in the red zone. According to Nicholas Moreano, Williams put the ball in between two defenders and Odunze made the catch in traffic. Courtney Cronin noted Williams threw with "anticipation" in what the media hailed as the play of the day. This isn't the first time the rookie duo has impressed, and it certainly won't be the last.

No competition at right guard

There's growing concern about the Bears offensive line given the inconsistent availability of right guard Nate Davis, who didn't practice Monday after being sidelined with a "strain" during Saturday's workout. With Davis out, it was Ryan Bates who stepped in at right guard with the starting offense as Coleman Shelton occupied the center position. While Bates and Shelton are battling for the center job, this certainly provides a look at what this offensive line could look like. But offensive coordinator Shane Waldron told reporters after practice that there's no competition at right guard, and that when Davis is healthy, he'll be the starter. Still, it helps that Chicago has a contingency plan in place given Davis hasn't played an entire season since 2020.

Reddy Steward worked at nickel back in place of Kyler Gordon

Every year under general manager Ryan Poles, there's always one undrafted rookie that breaks out and manages to secure a roster spot. Could that be cornerback Reddy Steward, who's been making waves through the early practices. According to out Brendan Sugrue, Steward saw work at nickel back with the first-team defense with starter Kyler Gordon still sidelined with "tightness." While Greg Stroman Jr. also got reps, it was Steward who was with the starters for most of practice. Heading into the preseason, Steward is certainly a name to keep an eye on.

Kickoff, punt returner jobs is wide open

There are several position battles unfolding during training camp, and perhaps the most wide open is kickoff and punt returner. According to our Brendan Sugrue, neither Velus Jones Jr. nor DeAndre Carter, who were listed interchangeably as the top kickoff and punt returners in the first unofficial depth chart, saw work as returners on Monday. Getting looks at kickoff returner were receivers Dante Pettis, John Jackson and Freddie Swain. At punt returner, it was Pettis. It sounds like it was a rough day for Jones, who missed a jump pass and high pass during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11. So he's not necessarily a lock for the roster at this point of the summer.

Attendance report

Right guard Nate Davis was sidelined after suffering a "strain" during Saturday's practice. In his absence, Ryan Bates stepped in at right guard with Coleman Shelton at center. Cornerback Kyler Gordon, who's been dealing with "tightness," remains out. Elsewhere, running backs Travis Homer and Ian Wheelers, defensive end Jacob Martin and receiver Nsimba Webster also didn't participate. With Chicago's preseason opener against the Houston Texans on Thursday, it's unlikely any of those players who are sidelined will play.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears 2024 training camp: Takeaways from Day 8