The Chicago Bears expect to be without quarterback Justin Fields this weekend (and possibly beyond) to set up undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent against the Las Vegas Raiders at Soldier Field The team cleared the stage in his first NFL start.
The Bears held their regular practice Wednesday afternoon in Lake Forest and were optimistic they could find a winning formula heading into Sunday’s game. Here are three things we learned Wednesday at Halas Hall.
1. Bargent is eager to take on the next big test of his football career.
When the rookie quarterback needed emergency duty in the second half of last weekend’s 19-13 home loss to the Minnesota Vikings, he urged coaches not to simplify the offense or change their mentality because of inexperience.
“I just told them, ‘I know you guys have a lot of confidence in me. But I want you to know I know the entire call sheet, so don’t be afraid to do your thing and call your plays. Don’t hinder the offense just because I’m going in there. Because I’ve been preparing for this all week.”
How did coach Matt Eberfus, coordinator Luke Gacy and quarterbacks coach Andrew Gianoco react? “They were like, ‘Yeah, we know that,'” Bargent said. “They have total confidence in me. (We) have complete confidence in each other, really.”
Bargent oversaw five possessions for the Bears on Sunday and completed 10 of 14 passes for 83 yards. He assisted on a 77-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter but also committed two key turnovers, including a blocking interception on a potentially game-winning drive.
But now, Bargent will get a full week of reps with the starting offense to help prepare him.
“I’m going to get a lot more reps this week,” Bargent said after practice Wednesday. “Now you just have to get your days organized this week so we can be as ready as possible on Sunday.”
Intense and meticulous preparation was the catalyst for Bargent’s success, and the 23-year-old quarterback explained that his infectious confidence is rooted in the way he interprets his performance. Bargent said it’s something he learned in 53 career starts at Division II Shepherd.
“You’re going to start seeing some really good people who don’t make it because they don’t know where they’re going,” Bargent said. “So if you’re not the fastest guy here or the best athlete on the field, as long as you know what everybody’s doing, you’re usually going to perform a little bit better than someone who might be a little slower physically. The quality is a little better than you. So I knew it at the time.”
2. Cody Whitehair has addressed his outbreak issues and will accept whatever role the Bears have for him in Week 7.
Whitehead’s control issues in the shotgun have been an issue throughout the season and were particularly troublesome last weekend against the Vikings. The eight-year veteran and former captain hasn’t gotten away from that inconsistency. “Obviously I didn’t play well,” he said Wednesday. “We all saw the results of what happened.”
Gray Hair was removed from the team in the third quarter of last weekend’s loss, and Matt Eberflus explained that the break wasn’t the only reason. Eberfus emphasized that Lucas Patrick could better help Bargent settle in.
“This is adversity that I have to face,” Whitehair said. “I have to get over it and get better.”
Still, for Whitehair, who started in Week 1 as a rookie in 2016 and made 113 starts on the Bears’ offensive line, the sudden replacement stung.
“At some point you have to stay calm,” Whitehair said. “So that’s what I do. I’m there to support my teammates. I’ve always been a team-first guy and that’s what I tried to do (Sunday). … I take a lot of pride in my job. Whenever When things don’t go your way, you have to dig in and dissect what went wrong. “That’s what I’m doing now. “
Baifa vowed to continue working hard to practice his tackling. But it’s also possible he’ll have to accept a backup role this week as the Bears shake up their offensive line again.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Patrick starts at center, which would leave the Bears with a choice between Whitehair and Ja’Tair Carter to start at right guard, with Nate Davis out at least with a high right ankle sprain. Absent through the end of the month. .
“I prepare like a starter every week,” Whitehair said. “So whatever role I play, I’m going to be ready for it.”
3. Eddie Jackson remains limited due to a foot injury sustained last month.
Jackson missed three games after injuring his right foot in Week 2 in Tampa. Then, after returning to the starting role against the Vikings on Sunday, the veteran safety lasted just 14 snaps before exiting the game with foot discomfort.
“It just kind of exploded on him,” Eberflus said.
Jackson participated in Wednesday’s practice on a limited basis. The Bears will continue to monitor his practice activity and his foot reactions as he assumes a more comprehensive workload in the coming weeks.
Jackson missed the final five games of last season with a Lisfranc ligament injury in the same foot.
In other injury news, rookie running back Roschon Johnson suffered a head injury in the Bears’ win over the Washington Commanders on Oct. 5 and is still receiving treatment for a concussion. Johnson was one of four Bears players who did not practice throughout Wednesday. The others are Fields, Davis and cornerback Terrell Smith (mononucleosis).
In addition to Jackson, four other Bears players were limited, including offensive tackle Darnell Wright (shoulder), defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (back) ), running back Travis Homer (hamstring) and offensive lineman Dan Feeney (knee).