Caleb Williams showcased a strong start to the Chicago Bears’ training camp on Thursday with a standout 54-yard deep pass to veteran receiver Kalif Raymond during the team’s second day of practice at Halas Hall. The connection highlighted the offensive unit’s early rhythm despite limited physical contact, as players are prohibited from wearing full pads until Monday. Fans will have their first opportunity to observe practice on Friday.
Williams sent the ball soaring past midfield, finding Raymond open in the end zone after the receiver exploited space between cornerback Tyrique Stevenson and safety Coby Bryant. The play underscored a smooth beginning for the Bears offense, which has seen minimal presnap penalties across two practices — a contrast to last year’s rocky start. Much of the offense, including Williams, return from last season’s roster, contributing to the cohesive performance early in camp.
Offensive coordinator Press Taylor noted an improvement in the team’s tempo and efficiency compared to last year’s camp. “If we had 15 plays in a 10-minute walkthrough (last year), we were probably getting nine plays by the time we had to repeat everything. Now, I think yesterday we got to 13,” Taylor said. The increased pace and detail-oriented approach reflect adjustments made during the offseason.
Raymond, who will turn 32 on Aug. 8, emerged as a focal point during practice. As a 10th-year veteran, he is considered the leading candidate to fill the Bears’ No. 3 wide receiver position behind Rome Odunze and Byron Burden. Raymond’s familiarity with head coach Matt Eberflus’s system and previous experience under new offensive coordinator Ben Johnson appear to give him an edge over second-year receiver Jahdae Walker and rookie Zavion Thomas.
Williams, in discussing the team’s young core of playmakers, acknowledged Raymond’s valuable presence despite the veteran not fitting the conventional “young core” profile. Younger receivers have gravitated toward Raymond, benefiting from his precise route-running and knowledge of coverages. Odunze praised Raymond’s combination of speed and craftiness, noting his ability to execute veteran moves and manage his body effectively.
On the injury front, defensive end Montez Sweat returned to practice Thursday after being activated off the non-football illness list the previous day. Running back Kyle Monangai was absent from practice, while seven others remain sidelined on the non-football injury (NFI) or physically unable to perform (PUP) lists. Injured players include cornerback Jaylon Johnson (calf), safety Elijah Hicks (shin), linebackers T.J. Edwards (calf), Keyshaun Elliott (back), and Noah Sewell (Achilles tendon), as well as offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo (knee).
As the Bears continue to ramp up the intensity with full-pad practices approaching, the offense’s early fluidity and veteran leadership offer encouraging signs heading into the preseason.