Bears’ first unofficial depth chart of Week 1 provides clarity in the secondary but there’s still key offensive spots to watch
The Chicago Bears have released the first unofficial depth chart of Week 1 and there’s three big takeaways we need to address after hearing from head coach Ben Johnson.
The Chicago Bears released their first unofficial depth chart of the 2026 regular season ahead of Sunday’s Week 1 game against the Carolina Panthers, and head coach Ben Johnson provided several important updates on certain spots before Tuesday’s practice.
Between the depth chart and Johnson’s comments, some lingering position battles from training camp finally have clarity while other spots remain fluid heading into the opener.
Secondary starters take shape with veteran-heavy approach
The starting secondary was one of the biggest question marks coming out of camp. Johnson himself admitted after training camp that he didn’t have clarity at multiple spots and wanted things figured out before Week 1.
Based on the unofficial depth chart, the Bears’ starting secondary will consist of cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson on the outside, first-round pick Dillon Thieneman at safety alongside veteran Xavier Woods, and veteran Cam Lewis at the nickel position.
Two spots were genuinely up for grabs, and still are. Woods appeared to hold the pole position at safety throughout camp, and this depth chart confirms that. The Bears also rotated Lewis at safety, activated Elijah Hicks from the PUP list, and kept rookie undrafted free agent Skyler Thomas on the 53-man roster. They had options, but rolling with Woods alongside the rookie Thieneman is the right call, giving Thieneman veteran experience next to him after the loss of Coby Bryant.
Which then slides Lewis down to nickel, where he’s listed as the starter over rookie Malik Muhammad II. Both players rotated there during camp and the preseason, and Muhammad got plenty of reps as the team tried to get his feet wet at a new position after playing outside corner in college. Lewis and Muhammad will still split time, but the veteran will likely get the nod for Week 1. Lewis has plenty of experience in dime packages playing nickel, and the question with Muhammad is simply whether the rookie is ready to handle the attention right away.
“Any rookie that’s out there, they’re going to get tested,” Johnson explained. “It’s called being a rookie in this league. The more experience we get over the course of the season, the more we go through that, the better off we’ll be.”
Braxton Jones officially named starting left tackle, but Ozzy Trapilo is lurking
Johnson officially named Braxton Jones the starting left tackle, which was expected after the team parted ways with Kiran Amegadjie and Jedrick Wills Jr. during roster cuts. Ozzy Trapilo made the 53-man roster and is listed as the backup left tackle, but Johnson’s comments suggest Trapilo isn’t quite ready for game action yet as he continues working his way back into shape.
“I don’t have a timeline (for Ozzy Trapilo),” Johnson said. “But, I do think he’s getting valuable work right now, whether it’s individual or some of the things we’re doing after practice. That was our intent is today’s a padded practice, we want to make sure that he’s maximizing the number of padded opportunities he gets as he continues on to get better every single week.”
This remains an evaluation every single day, as Johnson noted about every position, but it’s especially the case at left tackle. Jones got pulled from the lineup last year in Week 4 despite starting in Week 1, so how he holds up early in the season is worth monitoring. In the meantime, Trapilo appears to be trending toward availability sooner rather than later based on how things are sounding in his recovery.
“I think it’s a matter of time,” Johnson added. “I can’t say it’s in the near-near future and yet I know he’s working his tail off. It’s been beyond impressive for him to be where he is today.”
Wide receiver picture still unclear with Rome Odunze’s status in question
Johnson was blunt before Tuesday’s practice speaking about the wide receiver position and who the starters will be at that position, which was a surprise.
“Right now, I don’t know when we line up in certain personnel groups who’s going to be our receivers,” Johnson said. “It’s early. By the time we get to Friday and Saturday, that’s when we’ll stamp them. They earn that during the course of the week.”
The biggest factor is Rome Odunze, who is still dealing with a foot/ankle injury suffered during Thursday’s practice. Odunze missed Monday’s practice, and Johnson said he is day-to-day while expressing hope that Odunze will be available Sunday against Carolina. The Bears will begin reporting injuries on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, so Odunze’s status throughout the week will be one to watch closely.
The unofficial depth chart lists Odunze and Luther Burden III as the two starters, with Jahdae Walker and Kalif Raymond as the top backups. Burden dealt with an injury of his own but is fully expected to play in Week 1 and should have a significant workload. Raymond, who spent time with Johnson in Detroit before coming to Chicago this offseason, made a strong impression during camp and should be involved heavily in Week 1 across multiple roles. If Odunze can’t go, Walker would be his immediate replacement.
The other name to watch is rookie Zavion Thomas, who put on an absolute showcase in the preseason finale with over 120 yards of offense. However, Johnson pumped the brakes on expectations, saying Thomas shouldn’t get used to that kind of production because he’s still earning the trust of the coaching staff. Based on what we saw last year, it takes time for rookies to carve out significant roles early in the regular season.
