Bears 2024 training camp: Takeaways from Day 16

Training camp continues for the Chicago Bears, who held their 16th practice of the summer on Tuesday at Halas Hall.

Chicago was back on the practice field for a light workout on Tuesday, which came after their dominating 33-6 preseason win over the Buffalo Bills. According to the media members in attendance, it was a light, non-padded practice where the offense had its good and bad moments. There were some notable faces ramping up for a return to full participation, including several starters on defense and rookies Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze once again put on a show.

Following the 16th practice of training camp, here are some quick takeaways from Tuesday's workout:

Up-and-down day for the offense

Fresh off Saturday's preseason win, the Bears offense had an up-and-down day during a light, non-padded practice. The 7-on-7 period started with Williams connecting with tight end Gerald Everett for a touchdown, according to Bear Report. Cornerbacks Terell Smith and Josh Blackwell recorded back-to-back pass breakups before linebacker Tremaine Edmunds picked off Williams on a pass intended for receiver Dante Pettis in the back corner of the end zone. Early in 11-on-11, the bears offense struggled with a false start, some snap issues and a couple of incompletions, according to Nicholas Moreano. But Williams did connect with receiver DJ Moore with a tight-window throw against cornerback Jaylon Johnson. The offense was able to turn things around during the two-minute drill, which culminated in a Caleb Williams to Rome Odunze touchdown (more on that below) to win the drill.

Key starters ramping up to return in full

The Bears have been battling a number of injuries to notable starters, specifically on defense, but it sounds like they're finally getting healthy. Defensive end Montez Sweat, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, defensive tackle Andrew Billings, cornerback Kyler Gordon and right guard Nate Davis were all back at practice for the Bears on Tuesday. According to Adam Jahns, Sweat, Stevenson and Gordon did more in practice Tuesday as they recover from their respective injuries, which included working the trainers on the field.

Defensive coordinator Eric Washington was asked about Sweat's availability for Week 1, and he said there's "no doubt" Sweat will be in the lineup against the Tennessee Titans. Chicago has been without three of its starting defensive backs, and the returns of Gordon and Stevenson will be a big boost for the secondary. Meanwhile, Davis was back at right guard with the starting offensive line during early 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. But that doesn't necessarily mean he'll be the starter considering Ryan Bates was sidelined.

The Caleb Williams-Rome Odunze connection

First-round picks Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze have been making plays throughout training camp, and the rookie duo once again showed why the future is bright in Chicago. Williams and Odunze connected on a 30-yard touchdown during a two-minute drill to end practice. The defense jumped, giving the offense a free play, and Williams didn't hesitate to go deep to Odunze, who put cornerback Terrell Smith on skates with his impressive route to break free for the easy score. It wasn't the first time Williams and Odunze have hooked up for a big play, and it certainly won't be the last.

Velus Jones back working with the running backs

Velus Jones Jr. made his debut at running back in last Saturday's game against the Buffalo Bills. And despite a hiccup on his first play, he ultimately proved to be an effective runner. He Jones rushed for 34 yards on six carries, averaging 5.7 yards per carry, including a four-yard touchdown run. According to Andrew Freeman, Jones was once again with the running backs during Tuesday's practice, an indication that we could be seeing a lot more of him in the backfield heading into this week's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Attendance report

As previously mentioned, there was some good news on the injury front as Sweat, Stevenson, Gordon and Davis were all back in limited fashion as they ramp up to full speed. While the Bears secondary got back two key starters, they're still without safety Jaquan Brisker, who remained sidelined. Ryan Bates, who's competing for the starting center job and has filled in at right guard for Davis, was spotted on the stationary bike during Thursday's practice. After last Saturday's game, Matt Eberflus told reporters that Bates will be fine, and it sounds like he's nearing ramp up. Also sidelined: Running back Roschon Johnson, receivers DeAndre Carter and Collin Johnson, linebacker Noah Sewell, defensive end Jacob Martin and safety Adrian Colbert. According to Herb Howard, it sounds like rookie offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie is ramping up to return as he recovers from his quad injury.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears 2024 training camp: Takeaways from Day 16