Good morning, Bears fans!
We’re Wendell Davis days away from kickoff in Carolina.
And if you said “hell yeah” when you saw that name, I’m guessing you’re also the type of fan who scored high on my Bears QB Quiz.
It’s definitely the time of year to remember some guys.

01 Training Camp
Reporting dates announced
This is getting real, folks. Rookies on July 25, vets on July 28. The NFL also announced the Bears will hit the road for two joint practices — Cincinnati on Aug. 22 (which we knew) and Tennessee on Aug. 27 (which we did not).
02 Stadium
Illinois news this week?
Politico’s Shia Kapos reports that talks between the Bears and the state are ongoing and that some officials expect “greater clarity as soon as Wednesday.” Kapos reports the team is working on legislation that would keep them in Illinois, a prerequisite for JB Pritzker to call a special summer session.
03 NFC North
Parsons to miss half the season?
That’s from Jason LaCanfora of Sports Boom and seemingly confirmed by Micah Parsons’ brother. Not exactly rock solid stuff, but the Bears seeing Parsons recovered from an ACL injury in Week 5 doesn’t seem likely.
8️⃣2️⃣ Days Until The Season Opener
🎂Bears Birthdays: Corey Wootton (39 - Monday), Roger Davis (😇 88)
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Five Reasons To Worry About The 2026 Bears

Last week I wrote a glowing piece on Ben Johnson.
A good friend texted a short while later after reading it.
“I’m gonna need to chat with you,” he wrote. “I seem to be the only one who isn’t incredibly optimistic about the Bears this season and I’m hoping you can help straighten me out.”
“So Ben hasn’t cured your Post Traumatic Bears Disorder?” I asked.
“I’ve been burned too many times,” he said.
I have to say I don’t quite get it. While 2025 didn’t deliver a championship, it did show all of us we’re in good hands for the future when it comes to head coach and quarterback.
At least I thought it did.
But while Johnson and Caleb Williams have started opening the window on an exciting new era for the Bears, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to have more immediate reservations about the season ahead of us.
Here are top five worries, ranked in order:

