The Chicago Bears have one more preseason game to go before kicking off the regular season on Sep. 10. 

The Bears' veteran starters have mostly not played so far, but that may chance for the finale. There are still several position battles that are open and several players on the bubble who need a big performance. 

Buffalo Bills (1-1) at Chicago Bears (1-1)
Date: Saturday, August 26
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
Betting odds: Bills -3, Over/Under 37.5
How to watch on TV: Chicago Bears Network on FOX 32; Local network affiliates; NFL network
Streaming: FuboTV, YouTube TV, Network apps, etc.
Radio: ESPN 1000 (AM 1000, 100.3 FM HD2), LATINO MIX 93.5 FM (Spanish), SiriusXM (Channels 380 & 805)

Will the Bears play the starters?

Per reports, the starters including Justin Fields, will play tomorrow. 

"Our starters are going to play," head coach Matt Eberflus said. "They're going to play a selected number of plays. I will say this: the number of plays we will discuss after this. We have a 1:45 meeting and we'll discuss in terms of the number of reps and who and what and when, who is with who, and that will be finalized here coming up."

I would expect the starters to play for a quarter before the reserves come in and try to cement their place. 

Who will win the backup QB job?

I would think that Fields will play less than other starters due to the team needing to see who deserves the backup job. 

PJ Walker was considered the favorite but has struggled this summer. Rookie UDFA Tyson Bagent has played his way into the QB2 conversation, and veteran journeyman Nathan Peterman has also played well. 

It will be very interesting to see which player can secure the role. It seems to be a completely open competitiom at this point. 

3 Players to watch

• DE Terrell Lewis: Lewis has been dominant this preseason, collecting three sacks over two games. The veteran edge-rusher seemed like an afterthought earlier this summer, but he might have already played his way onto the roster. It will be interesting to see if he can add more sacks against the Bills.
• QB PJ Walker: Walker went from QB2 to possible cut candidate. Yes, the veteran received $2M in guarantees, but cap space isn't an issue for the Bears. If Walker lays another egg against the Bills, I wouldn't be totally surprised to see the team roll with Bagent and Peterman. Walker needs a solid game here. 
• WR Daurice Fountain: Fountain did not factor in to my roster predictions earlier this summer. I was under the assumption that Velus Jones Jr. or Dante Pettis would cement their spot near the back of the WR depth chart. However, Fountain has been the leading receiver this preseason and has played himself into the conversation. After collecting five catches for 86 yards and one TD last week, Fountain may land the final receiver slot with one more performance like that. 

More Bears news ahead of the game

• Could the Bears be a player for a star RB?
• One Bears starter who could be cut
• Three questions before the opener

4 winners and 3 losers for the Bears after second preseason game

Pointing out who impressed and who disappointed during the Bears’ loss to the Colts.

Featured image via © Trevor Ruszkowski | 2023 Aug 19