Breaking down the Bears’ first practice of “Week Zero” on Tuesday:
What happened
The Bears practiced mostly special teams during a practice that lasted a little over an hour.
Why the trade?
Bears GM Ryan Poles said “timing and fit” were the reason he decided to trade defensive tackle Gervon Dexter to the Falcons for cornerback Clark Phillips III and a fifth-round pick. He also praised rookies Jordan van den Berg and Jayden Loving, whose emergence gave him the flexibility to make the trade.
Poles liked Phillips’ man coverage skills. He’s played mostly outside cornerback in the NFL after playing the slot in college. The Bears are likely to use him at the former.
Roster moves
The Bears signed defensive lineman James Lynch and linebacker Jack Sanborn to the active roster to replace safety Coby Bryant and tight end Hayden Large, who went on injured reserve.
They added 14 practice-squad players: running backs Salvon Ahmed and Zavier Scott; offensive linemen Caden Barnett, Kyle Hergel and Christian Jones; receivers Kaden Davis, Scotty Miller and J.P. Richardson; tight end Stephen Carlson; defensive lineman Marcus Davenport; linebacker Buddy Johnson and Wayne Matthews III; and defensive backs Deantre Prince and Marlen Sewell.
Injury update
Only three players on the 53-man roster didn’t participate Tuesday: running back Kyle Monangai, linebacker D’Marco Jackson and defensive end Austin Booker. Poles said he wasn’t sure if Booker, who has a groin injury, will be ready for Week 1.
What’s next
The Bears will practice Wednesday, focusing on situational football, before holding a padded practice Thursday.
