The Chicago Bears kicked off the season playing against the Houston Texans in the NFL’s annual Hall of Fame Game. With a new-look roster brimming with talent, many second and third-string players are eager to prove they deserve a spot on the 53-man roster. In a 21-17 victory against the Texans that ended in the third quarter due to severe weather, several Bears hopefuls shined and made a strong case for earning a place on the team.
6 Bears Hopefuls Who Shined In Hall Of Fame Game
WR Collin Johnson
The standout player of the game, by far, was wideout Collin Johnson. He scored two touchdowns and made some spectacular catches. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 220 pounds, Johnson brings a height advantage that the Bears currently lack at the wide receiver position. It almost seemed like Megatron was playing for the Bears. An exciting start for Johnson.
What a catch by @Call_In_Johnson 🤯
📺: ESPN pic.twitter.com/K6AHRs2NqI
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 2, 2024
QB Brett Rypien
A quarterback controversy is brewing in Chicago—specifically among the backup quarterbacks. Tyson Bagent will get more chances during the preseason, but Brett Rypien made a strong impression. Rypien finished with 11 completions on 15 attempts for 166 yards and three touchdowns, the most he’s ever had in a single season. He’s making a compelling case to be the Bears’ QB2, putting pressure on Bagent.
DE Austin Booker
The only defensive player drafted this year, a lot of eyes are on Austin Booker, and he delivered. On his first NFL snap, he executed a powerful bull rush that collapsed the pocket. Booker’s combination of power and swing moves kept Texans’ rookie tackle Blake Fisher off balance, and he finished the game with a sack. He’ll be an excellent addition to the team and has potential to be an impact player on the Bears defense.
Austin Booker’s first NFL pass rush pic.twitter.com/zjjDJrhiyG
— ImBearingDown (@ImBearingDown) August 2, 2024
RB Khalil Herbert
In the competition for the backup running back position, Khalil Herbert stood out with a strong performance. He broke off several long runs, and it looked like he was running with a chip on his shoulder. While second-year back Roschon Johnson is known for grinding out tough yards, Herbert demonstrated a better ability to find open rushing lanes, giving him the edge for the RB2 spot for now. To be fair, it looked like a man running against boys with Herbert out there on the field. These next few preseason games will be vital for him and Roschon as they continue to work hard to earn the backup running back role against better competition.
S Elijah Hicks
Elijah Hicks had an outstanding game, making multiple tackles, including a crucial game-saving one. His football IQ was on full display as he was at the right place virtually every time. With fellow backup safety Jonathan Owens in Paris supporting his wife, superstar gymnast Simone Biles, Hicks is making the most of his opportunities.
DE Khalid Kareem
Khalid Kareem shined as well, frequently pressuring the backfield and recording a sack. He also made several key tackles, providing a boost for a Bears team in need of defensive line talent. Kareem is making a solid case to secure a roster spot over players like Dominique Robinson and Jacob Martin.
Main Image: Scott Galvin – USA Today Sports
