The Chicago Bears closed the preseason with a victory 24-15 over the Tennessee Titans, a 97-yard play that lit up the night in Nashville, and a series of moves that altered the team’s composition hours before the final cut.

The result leaves good feelings, but the most important things happened around the game: Zavion Thomas confirmed the value of his speed, Tyson Bagent returned as a backup, and Ryan Poles made an unexpected decision by sending Gervon Dexter Sr. to Atlanta.

Zavion Thomas needed just one play

On Chicago’s first offensive possession, from their own 3-yard line, Tyson Bagent found Zavion Thomas for a 97-yard touchdown. The rookie froze the cornerback with a pause in his route, caught the pass on the right side, and left the coverage behind.

Thomas finished with five receptions for 140 yards, plus a 39-yard punt return and a 22-yard kick return. It was a spectacular performance, although not perfect: he also fumbled on a jet sweep attempt and took responsibility after the game.

“That was 100 percent my fault. I have to do better and I will. I just have to secure the ball.”

— Zavion Thomas

Caution is necessary: it was a preseason game and most starters rested. Nonetheless, Thomas showed two tools that can translate to the regular season: speed capable of altering defensive angles and immediate value on special teams.

Bagent reaffirms his place behind Caleb Williams

The long play grabbed the spotlight, but Bagent’s complete performance was equally important. The quarterback completed 16 of 17 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns in the first half, with a passer rating of 156.9.

His second touchdown, a two-yard pass to Maurice Alexander on fourth down, required mobility, patience, and precision. Bagent closed the preseason completing 74.4% of his passes, with three touchdowns and an interception.

“This is the work of my life. I am proud of what I do and love what I do.”

— Tyson Bagent

There is no competition for the starting position: the team belongs to Caleb Williams. But a long season requires stability on the bench, and Bagent once again proved he can lead the offense if his number is called.

A defense of substitutes fulfilled its task

Chicago forced five three-play series and a punt and did not allow a touchdown until the last four minutes of the game. Jamree Kromah and Jayden Loving recorded consecutive sacks at the end of the third quarter, while Terell Smith broke two important passes before halftime.

Ben Johnson summed up the week’s goal with one word: finish.

“I’m very proud of how we finished. That was the message of the week: finish every play, every practice period, and the camp.”

— Ben Johnson

The performance does not allow definitive conclusions about the starting defense, but it did show organization and effort in a night mainly dedicated to evaluating depth.

The Gervon Dexter trade: a bet that deserves scrutiny

A day after the game, the Bears agreed to send the defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. to the Atlanta Falcons. Chicago received the defensive back Clark Phillips and a fifth-round selection in the 2027 Draft. The deal was subject to the physical exams of the players.

The move addresses an obvious need in the secondary. Kyler Gordon is injured and Coby Bryant would not be available, at minimum, until mid-December. Phillips arrives with 28 games and seven starts in three seasons, plus experience both inside and outside.

However, the price is not minor. Dexter accumulated 11 sacks over the last two seasons and still had value as a rotational player in a line that needs to generate more pressure. The presence of Grady Jarrett and the strong summer from Jordan van den Berg, Kentavius Street, and Jayden Loving help explain the decision; they do not guarantee that his production will be replaced.

It’s not a trade that should be celebrated or condemned immediately. The Bears traded proven depth on the line for urgent help in the secondary and a future selection. The field will determine if the balance was correct.

The 53-man roster: the cuts that draw the most attention

Among the most notable cuts appear the tackle Kiran Amegadjie, the linebacker Jack Sanborn, the defensive lineman Marcus Davenport, and the special teams specialist Jon Rhattigan. Jedrick Wills Jr. was released via an injury waiver agreement.

The decisions on the offensive line are especially relevant. With Amegadjie and Wills out, Ozzy Trapilo is the best and only option at left tackle and Theo Benedet is another alternative behind Braxton Jones. The composition may change after waivers claims and new signings, but the first cut leaves clear confidence in the coaching staff’s young options.

Four undrafted rookies survived the initial cut:

  • Beau Gardner, long snapper.
  • Jayden Loving, defensive lineman.
  • Skyler Thomas, defensive back.
  • Hayden Large, tight end.

It also highlights the retention of Zavion Thomas, the tight end Sam Roush, and the defensive lineman Jordan van den Berg. Chicago did not build a conservative roster: it opened spaces for young players who now must prove that their strong camp can hold up against NFL starters.

Injuries that condition the start of the season

The Bears placed Kyler Gordon, Noah Sewell, and Shemar Turner on the reserve/PUP list. The three will miss, at minimum, the first four weeks of the campaign.

Additionally, Brittain Brown, Tony Fields, Jaylon Jones, and Ray-Ray McCloud III were sent to injured reserve before joining the initial roster, so they will not be available during the regular season. Coby Bryant did appear among the 53, a move that preserves the possibility of moving him later to injured reserve with an option to return.

These absences explain part of the urgency to add Clark Phillips III and leave the secondary as the group that deserves the most attention during the first weeks.

The FanaticOSO note: real evaluation now begins

The victory in Tennessee was a good closing, not a promise. Thomas contributed the most electrifying play of the preseason, Bagent solidified his role, and several rookies earned a place. At the same time, the Dexter trade and the injuries in the secondary introduce legitimate questions about the team’s depth.

The roster announced on August 30 is initial, not final. There will be moves in the coming days and the practice squad will offer a second chance to several players.

The only definite thing is the date: September 13 in Carolina, the games that count begin. There we will know how much of what was seen during the summer can hold up when Caleb Williams and the starters return to the field.

Bear Down.