The Chicago Bears' first preseason game of the 2022 season kicks off Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs. Starters are expected to play the first quarter, and there are several first-teamers who need to make a strong impression against the Chiefs to keep that job.
Here are seven players Bears fans should keep a close eye on in the Chicago Bears' Week 1 preseason game
LT Braxton Jones
No player will have more eyes on him than rookie left tackle Braxton Jones. The fifth-round pick from Southern Utah has been lining up with the first team since minicamp. He's had a surprising ascent up the depth chart after being viewed as a developmental prospect in the months leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft. Now, Jones has a chance to turn the Bears' 2022 draft class into an elite haul if he can prove he's a long-term answer at one of the game's most important positions.
WR Equanimeous St. Brown
Equanimeous St. Brown is having a strong training camp and is currently listed as a starter on the depth chart. He'll need to turn positive plays in practice into production in preseason games, and he should get his fair share of looks from QB Justin Fields early against the Chiefs. If he makes a few plays that highlight his elite size and length, he'll hold onto the starting job into September. The Bears need a player like St. Brown to emerge opposite Darnell Mooney.
DT Justin Jones
Justin Jones is another under-the-radar star in training camp who has a chance to emerge as one of the NFL's top three techniques now that he's in a defense that will showcase his penetrating skill set. Jones will be tasked with providing interior pressure from a critical position in Matt Eberflus' defensive scheme. Jones was viewed as Plan B after the Bears' first choice in free agency, Larry Ogunjobi, failed his physical. He may turn out to be the better fit as time marches on.
RT Riley Reiff
General manager Ryan Poles strengthened the offensive line on the eve of training camp with the signing of Riley Reiff, who's expected to begin the season as the starting right tackle. I don't think he'll play much on Saturday, but if he does, he'll need to silence any doubt that a younger player on the roster may be a better option. Remember: Reiff isn't viewed as an elite tackle around the league. He's a solid starter, which is a massive upgrade for Chicago. But he isn't untouchable as a first-teamer.
QB Justin Fields
Justin Fields appears lower than expected on this list because he'll only play a series or two. Yes, he needs game experience in Luke Getsy's offense, but don't overreact to errant throws or poor timing with his receivers. The first preseason game shouldn't be pretty. We'll be watching his every move, of course. But it's important not to overreact to what's likely to be an inconsistent outing. Similarly, Bears fans can't overreact to a highlight play or two early in the game. Fields' goal against the Chiefs is simply to get reps and stay healthy.
RB Khalil Herbert
Khalil Herbert is slowly climbing fantasy football rankings as a potential sleeper in 2022. He's a perfect fit for Getsy's scheme, and with David Montgomery in the final year of his contract, Herbert has a chance to carve out a bigger role this year. If he makes a big play or two against the Chiefs, his stock will continue to soar. Montgomery is expected to miss the game with an injury, giving Herbert a chance to show the Bears that he can be a top-shelf starter behind Fields in his second season.
SAF Jaquan Brisker
Jaquan Brisker is going to be a fun player. A really, really fun player. He's a throwback safety with modern-day traits. It's unlikely fellow second-round pick Kyler Gordon will play against Kansas City, making Brisker the highest-ranking rookie making his debut. I have a feeling he's going to flash in a big way.