Bears 2024 training camp: Takeaways from Day 9

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

Following a light, non-padded workout on Monday, which was held inside at the Walter Payton Center due to weather, Chicago was back in pads for their third open practice of training camp. It was the final workout before Thursday night's preseason opener against the Houston Texans in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game. The defense had a dominant 11-on-11 period, but the offense battled back with a strong finish in the two-minute drill, where rookies Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze continue to impress.

Following the ninth practice, here are some quick takeaways from Tuesday's workout:

Defense has strong outing, offense ends on high note

The third day of pads featured highlights both from the defense and offense, which is encouraging after the defense dominated the offense in the first two workouts. The defense won early, according to Jacob Infante, where the defensive line once again dominated the offensive line during 11-on-11. According to Zack Pearson, the Bears appeared to throw a lot of blitzes toward Williams to see how he handled it. He noted on one play during 11-on-11, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson came through untouched, where Williams read it and threw an incompletion. Williams was also picked off by Jaquan Brisker, per Infante. Williams also had a pass batted into the air at the line of scrimmage by defensive end Montez Sweat, but Williams was able to knock it down incomplete, according to Greg Braggs. But it wasn't just the starting defense that had a strong outing. The second-team unit also had a strong day, according to Infante, which included cornerback Josh Blackwell breaking up a Tyson Bagent pass attempt to close out 11-on-11.

While the defense shined early, the offense had some impressive moments during 7-on-7 and the two-minute drill. According to Adam Hoge, Williams had a pair of deep balls to tight end Gerald Everett, for a completion, and receiver DJ Moore, for a touchdown. They were both "nice throws." The offense also closed out practice on a high note during the two-minute drill, where Williams marched the offense down the field with an efficient, three-play, 60-yard drive that culminated in a Williams to Rome Odunze completion in stride for the winning touchdown (more on that below).

Caleb Williams to Rome Odunze continues to dazzle

The Bears' top rookies once again stole the show during Tuesday's practice with their growing connection that makes for highlight-worthy plays. According to Jacob Infante, Caleb Williams connected with Rome Odunze on a long touchdown during 11-on-11, which left defensive coaches reeling. But that wasn't the only show stopper. The offense concluded practice with a strong two-minute drill that was capped by Williams hitting Odunze in stride for a touchdown, according to Chris Emma. It's clear that Odunze is becoming a favorite target of Williams', and this dynamic duo could become something special.

Offensive line contingency plan in place

Right guard Nate Davis missed another practice as he deals with a "strain" suffered during last Saturday's practice. While offensive coordinator Shane Waldron made it clear Davis is the starter when he returns, we got another glimpse of Chicago's contingency plan along the offensive line regardless of who wins the center job between Ryan Bates and Coleman Shelton. With Davis sidelined, Bates slides over to right guard while Shelton occupies the center job. Davis' availability concerns appears to be a big reason why general manager Ryan Poles prioritized adding depth -- and versatility -- along the interior offensive line this offseason.

Velus Jones Jr. got a look in the backfield

Velus Jones Jr. is one of the notable players on the roster bubble this summer. His best way onto the roster is as a return specialist, where he's currently penciled in on the unofficial depth chart. But perhaps proving he can be a weapon on offense can help his case. According to Jacob Infante, Jones lined up at running back for a play during Tuesday's practice. If the Bears are looking to get the ball in his hands in a multitude of ways, this could be one way to do it. Then again, Chicago is down two running backs (Travis Homer, Ian Wheeler) heading into Thursday's preseason game. So perhaps Jones will get an opportunity to show he can be a weapon on offense.

Reddy Steward continues to get looks at nickel cornerback

Every year, Poles manages to find a diamond in the rough in undrafted free agency, and cornerback Reddy Steward is slowly emerging as the top contender to potentially make the 53-man roster. With starter Kyler Gordon still sidelined with "tightness," Steward stepped in at nickel cornerback with the first-team defense for the second consecutive practice, and he continues to make a strong impression. According to Greg Braggs, Steward had nice coverage in a 1-on-1 rep as Williams overthrew Odunze out of bounds. Steward is in a position to contend for one of those final roster spots in the cornerback room.

Starters won't play in the Hall of Fame Game

Following Tuesday's practice, coach Matt Eberflus told reporters that starters will not play Thursday night against the Houston Texans in the Hall of Fame Game. That includes rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who on Monday expressed his desire to play as much as he can in the preseason. But he also understood that the decision is out of his hands. "I always think there’s more pros than cons, if anything, especially for a young guy like myself," Williams said. “Reps are always paramount for a young guy like myself." With Williams not playing, it'll be second-year quarterback Tyson Bagent getting the starting nod.

Attendance report

There was a scare with tight end Gerald Everett, who was shaken up after landing on the ground catching a deep ball from Williams during 7-on-7. He left with trainer Andre Tucker but later returned to practice. Cornerback Kyler Gordon remains day-to-day with "tightness," and undrafted rookie Reddy Steward once again got reps at nickel cornerback with the first team in his place. Offensive lineman Nate Davis, who is day-to-day with a strain, missed another practice. With Davis out, it's Ryan Bates in his place at right guard with Coleman Shelton at center. Elsewhere, defensive end Jacob Martin and running backs Travis Homer and Ian Wheeler didn't practice. Receiver Nsimba Webster was back practicing.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears 2024 training camp: Takeaways from Day 9