The latest mandatory minicamp news is bittersweet for what Chicago Bears fans wanted to hear about the team’s defense
The Chicago Bears kicked off mandatory minicamp on Tuesday and the play of the defense was a welcoming sight to see, even if Kyler Gordon was still absent from the bunch.
The NFL offseason calendar flipped to another page this week with mandatory minicamp kicking off and the Chicago Bears were back in action for the first of three practice sessions set to take place this week.
A big storyline fans have been worked up about the last few weeks has been the state of the team’s defense with new faces joining the unit and a lot of high expectations after a disappointing performance last season.
Tuesday was a great day for the defense to start winning some fans back over, but there was also some bad news to discuss for the unit. Let’s get into it.
Chicago Bears’ defense stole the show during the first day of mandatory minicamp
Have a day, Jaylon Johnson
Jaylon Johnson was a big topic of conversation heading into OTAs regarding his potential availability and left a strong impression by showing up for voluntary workouts with the rest of his team. That strong impression carried over to minicamp, at least in team drills.
Johnson recorded two interceptions and a pass breakup during Tuesday’s practice session and looked like the kind of Pro Bowl-caliber player Bears fans remember. He reportedly was easily the best player out on the field and had some great one-on-one moments with wide receiver Luther Burden III. Encouraging stuff from a player the Bears need to return to elite form in 2026.
Montez Sweat was in action and showed off the burst
During the two open media practices in OTAs, Montez Sweat was not in attendance on the field. That changed on Tuesday with Sweat out there at minicamp during mandatory practice and, like Johnson, he made his presence felt.
ESPN’s Courtney Cronin reported Sweat showed off the burst on one particular play chasing after quarterback Caleb Williams. Much has been made about the team’s lack of urgency off the line of scrimmage from the pass rush last season and it’s something the Bears are aiming to improve in a big way.
T.J. Edwards and Dayo Odeyingbo were back working during team drills
Linebacker T.J. Edwards returned to practice last week for the first time since suffering a fractured fibula in January. It was an encouraging sight that got even better on Tuesday when Edwards took part in team drills. It was the first time the Bears got to see their two starting linebackers (Edwards and Devin Bush) practice together in team drills this offseason.
The same goes for defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo, who suffered a torn Achilles back in November. He was also out there practicing during team drills.
Still no sign of Kyler Gordon – plus two other injuries to watch
Slot cornerback Kyler Gordon, who’s been dealing with another soft tissue injury this offseason, was not seen at all out on the field during Tuesday’s practice. Back in the first week of OTAs, Gordon was spotted doing individual drills and hasn’t been seen since.
In the meantime, two other defenders of note suffered injuries and left practice on Tuesday in cornerback Tyrique Stevenson and linebacker D’Marco Jackson. Add them to the list of players to watch throughout the rest of the week that also includes Jedrick Wills, Noah Sewell, Shemar Turner, Ruben Hyppolite II, Keyshaun Elliott, Cam Lewis, James Lynch, and Neville Gallimore.