Rypien completed 11 of 15 passes for 166 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in the Bears' 21-17 preseason win over the Texans on Thursday. He added one rush for nine yards. Rypien took over on the Bears' second possession and was masterful during his time in the game, averaging 11.1 yards per attempt while connecting with Collin Johnson (20, nine yards) and Tommy Sweeney (22 yards) for his trio of touchdown tosses. The journeyman signal-caller joined Chicago when free agency opened, and although he's generally been perceived as the No. 3 quarterback, Thursday's showing suggests he could conceivably usurp Tyson Bagent for the No. 2 job if he can put together a dazzling enough body of work this preseason.
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Rypien completed 11 of 15 passes for 166 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in the Bears' 21-17 preseason win over the Texans on Thursday. He added one rush for nine yards. Rypien took over on the Bears' second possession and was masterful during his time in the game, averaging 11.1 yards per attempt while connecting with Collin Johnson (20, nine yards) and Tommy Sweeney (22 yards) for his trio of touchdown tosses. The journeyman signal-caller joined Chicago when free agency opened, and although he's generally been perceived as the No. 3 quarterback, Thursday's showing suggests he could conceivably usurp Tyson Bagent for the No. 2 job if he can put together a dazzling enough body of work this preseason.
Bagent started the Bears' 21-17 preseason win over the Texans on Thursday, completing two of three passes for 16 yards. As his modest final line implies, Bagent, who's thought to have the inside track to the No. 2 job, made only a cameo appearance. The second-year pro played on the Bears' first possession and recorded his two completions to Roschon Johnson and Stephen Carlson. Brett Rypien, Bagent's competition to serve as the primary backup to first overall pick Caleb Williams, saw the bulk of playing time in the weather-shortened game and excelled in a three-touchdown performance, so Bagent will likely have to perform well in any more extensive action he may see the remainder of preseason to ensure he keeps his presumptive lead in the job battle.
Johnson brought in three of six targets for 56 yards and two touchdowns in the Bears' 21-17 preseason win over the Texans on Thursday. Johnson co-led the Bears in receptions and set the pace in both receiving yards and targets for the team on the night, recording 20- and nine-yard touchdown grabs from Brett Rypien in the second and third quarter, respectively, before the game was called early due to weather. Johnson's first score atoned for a drop on a catchable pass from Rypien earlier in the drive, and the 2020 fifth-round pick of the Jaguars ended up making a solid opening case for a reserve receiver role. Johnson is likely to receive ample opportunity to prove himself over the final three preseason contests, and his experience and downfield prowess should give him a good chance in a job battle with the likes of Velus Jones, DeAndre Carter and Dante Pettis.
Johnson rushed six times for 24 yards and brought in his only target for seven yards in the Bears' 21-17 preseason win over the Texans on Thursday. With offseason addition D'Andre Swift sitting out the preseason opener, Johnson got the call as the Bears' starting running back and gained 17 yards on four carries during Chicago's opening possession. The second-year pro went on to record his final seven rushing yards on the Bears' third and fourth drives after ceding the second possession to Khalil Herbert, who Johnson is battling for the No. 2 running back job. Considering the team invested a fourth-round pick in Johnson last year and he flashed upside as both runner and receiver as a rookie, he could have the inside track in the competition, although the remainder of training camp and preseason will serve as the platform for each back to make a case.
Herbert rushed four times for 35 yards in the Bears' 21-17 preseason win over the Texans on Thursday. Herbert was the second Bears running back to log a carry behind Roschon Johnson, who handled all the ground work on Chicago's first drive. Herbert ripped off a 19-yard gain on his third carry and immediately followed it up with a nine-yard scamper on the next play, showcasing some of the talent that helped him to three 100-yard performances a season ago. The team's deep running corps -- now helmed by D'Andre Swift, who wasn't active Thursday -- may not be the best fit for Herbert, who could be a trade candidate if he continues to thrive over the remainder of preseason.
With the Bears slated to rest key starters in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game against the Texans, Swift is among the players not in line to see action in Chicago's preseason opener, wgntv.com reports. With the theme of starters resting, QB Caleb Williams, as well as WRs DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze are also players who aren't expected to see action Thursday. The Bears' second exhibition game will take place Aug. 10 against the Bills.
Jones has now recovered from an undisclosed injury, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports. Jones was limited at the start of training camp but is now fully healthy once again. The 24-year-old is slated to serve as Chicago's starting left tackle once again when the regular season begins.
Edwards (undisclosed) is healthy once again, Josh Schrock of NBC Sports reports. Edwards has recovered from an undisclosed injury that held him to a limited role for the start of training camp. Now healthy, the 27-year-old should once again serve as one of Chicago's starting linebackers when the regular season begins.