Manning Family Backs Mitch, Aaron Lynch Practices, Important Helmet Rule Tweak, and Other Bullets

A week from today, each of the NFL’s 32 teams will have completed the preseason and we’ll start to see some final rosters take shape.

Remember, last year was the first in which there weren’t several cut-down days. Instead, we saw a massive wave of cuts after the final preseason game. Some cuts have started to trickle through, but the big ones are just around the corner. Stay tuned.

  • Leave it to the NFL to have one small word tweak a bigger story. We recently discussed the non-changes in the league’s new helmet rule, but Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio points out a “critical adjustment” for the rule, which states: “Inadvertent or incidental contact with the helmet and/or facemask is not a foul.” Florio sees it as a major change because the previous version of the rule made the presumption that lowering the head signified intent. It’s a pretty big deal that a new rule that is already being tweaked is seeing changes right before the preseason dress rehearsal. Hopefully, things can get ironed out before the games count in the standings.
  • Josh Allen aside, this is great company for Mitch Trubisky to keep:
  • Here’s something fun to think about: Trubisky having the support of the entire Manning family. Peyton Manning dropped by the Bears and Broncos joint practices and Larry Mayer of the Bears’ official website shed light some insight on what was shared between the two from Manning’s perspective. Trubisky comes off as eager and prepared from Manning’s point of view, which is encouraging. The Bears’ second-year quarterback needs to grow up quickly if he is to take this offense to another level.
  • And even Archie Manning is “in” on Trubisky:
  • Peyton is “in” … Archie is “in” … are you next, Eli? I guess we’ll find out when the Bears and Giants square off in Week 13. By then, we’ll have a 24-game regular season sample on which to judge Trubisky. And we’ll be just 23 days away from Christmas. Makes me think I should get my shopping started soon.
  • We’ll soon see how much Trubisky has progressed. But first, highlights:
  • If Dion Sims (concussion) and Adam Shaheen (ankle/foot) are out for an extended period of time, Trubisky will need to get a crash course with the reserves on the roster rather quickly. Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times writes about Daniel Brown and Ben Braunecker filling in for the Bears’ injured tight ends. This position group is one of the more deeper collections of talent, even if there aren’t many name brands. Brown received extensive experience last season after Zach Miller went down and Braunecker has gotten some additional burn during this preseason with the second unit. I’ll be intrigued to see what both can do with the spotlight on them against some stiff competition on Saturday.
  • Larry Mayer sees Braunecker as being comfortable in his third year with the team, even though it’s his first season with this set of offensive coaches. I’m not surprised to see that a player becomes more productive as he gets more comfortable in their surroundings. Here’s hoping that comfort on the field also comes with success.
  • On the other side of the injury equation, Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune reports outside linebacker Aaron Lynch returned to practice. Lynch’s career with the Bears has been star-crossed from the get-go, fighting through multiple injuries that have limited his practice time and kept him from playing in the preseason. If Lynch can’t give it a go on Saturday, he’ll have just one preseason game to get it together and get up to speed with his teammates before the regular season kicks off in Green Bay.
  • I mean, if you put it this way, I guess Roquan Smith is going to be alright after all:
  • I’ve got a feeling that James Daniels is going to be one of the five starters on the offensive line … and soon:
  • Jordan Howard is out here dropping truth bombs:
  • And finally, what sort of sorcery is this:
  • written by

    Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

    more bears news

    Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

    There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

    Another Pass Rusher Signs Elsewhere: Jadeveon Clowney Lands With the Panthers

    Another day. Another pass rusher signing. And another defensive lineman going to a team that isn't the Chicago Bears. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first with the news of Jadeveon Clowney signing with the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, ESPN's...

    Malik Nabers Might’ve Run His Way Out of the Chicago Bears Draft Spot

    Today was LSU's Pro Day and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was scheduled to be in attendance, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns. Assuming Poles made his flight, he got a good look at the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as...

    Goodell on Bears Stadium Deal, No to Hard Knocks? More Old Friends Go to Steelers, and Other Bears Bullets

    I keep forgetting that I have a Starbucks gift card from Christmas that has gone unused to this point. Maybe I'll remember it next time I go out for coffee. A big shout out to PFF Brad, who made the...

    Ryan Poles Was Pissed Off By RGIII’s Comments About Caleb Williams Situation

    When I saw them pop up, RGIII's comments suggesting Caleb Williams pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Chicago Bears were met with an eye-roll, audible groan, and immediate dismissal before moving onto more pertinent topics. But...

    Bears Stadium Update: Kevin Warren Reiterates Plans to Build in Downtown Chicago

    It sure is starting to sound like Arlington Heights fumbled the bag when it comes to locking in Arlington Park as the future home of a Chicago Bears stadium. While meeting with the media at the NFL owners meetings in...

    The NFL is Playing a Christmas Day Doubleheader in 2024

    Christmastime is generally full of cheer. And in 2024, it will be full of cheering. In fact, we're talking double the cheer. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reports the league will play not one, but *TWO* Christmas Day games. It's...

    2024 NFL Mock Draft: How High Can J.J. McCarthy’s Stock Rise?

    Hard to believe we're less than a month away from the 1st Round of the 2024 NFL Draft! With just weeks remaining until the NFL's most noteworthy offseason event, there are plenty of rumors floating. As we work through all...

    NFL Rules Shakeup, Tomlin on Fields, Trubisky’s Linsanity Run, and Other Bears Bullets

    The Bachelor's season-finale had a couple of jaw-dropping moments. Once the group chat catches up, it is going to be lit. What better way to start Bears Bullets than with breakfast anecdotes? I think I'm going to enjoy D'Andre Swift's...

    Around the NFL: New Kickoff Rules Explained, NFL Trade Deadline Extended, More

    NFL owners ratified a sweeping overhaul of the kickoff play on Tuesday, embracing a format inspired by the XFL following three days of deliberations at the league’s yearly gathering. Essentially, the new format relocates the bulk of both kicking and return teams...

    Latest News

    Orioles vs. Angels Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    The Baltimore Orioles begin their season as -192 favorites in a home tilt against the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday at 3:05 PM ET, live on BSW.Baltimore's Corbin Burnes and Los Angeles' Patrick Sandoval have been named the starters for...

    Wyoming vs South Dakota Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – March 29

    The South Dakota Coyotes (23-12) will try to break a three-game road losing streak when they square off against the Wyoming Cowgirls (17-14) on March 29, 2024 at Arena-Auditorium.Wyoming vs. South Dakota NCAA Game InfoDate: Friday, March 29, 2024Time: 8:30...

    Minnesota vs North Dakota State Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – March 29

    The Minnesota Golden Gophers (17-15) face the North Dakota State Bison (22-11) on March 29, 2024.Minnesota vs. North Dakota State NCAA Game InfoDate: Friday, March 29, 2024Time: 8:00 PM ETWhere: Minneapolis, MinnesotaVenue: Williams ArenaLast Game For Each TeamMinnesota enters this...

    Rays vs. Blue Jays Probable Starting Pitchers – March 28

    The Tampa Bay Rays (0-0) and the Toronto Blue Jays (0-0) face off on Thursday at Tropicana Field for Opening Day. First pitch is at 4:10 PM ET.The Rays will call on Zach Eflin versus the Blue Jays and Jose...

    Dodgers vs. Cardinals Probable Starting Pitchers – March 28

    The Los Angeles Dodgers (1-1) and the St. Louis Cardinals (0-0) face off at Dodger Stadium on Thursday at 4:10 PM ET, starting a four-game series.The Dodgers will look to Tyler Glasnow versus the Cardinals and Miles Mikolas.Dodgers vs. Cardinals...

    Padres vs. Giants Probable Starting Pitchers – March 28

    The San Francisco Giants (0-0) begin a four-game series against the San Diego Padres (1-1) on Thursday at PETCO Park. First pitch is at 4:10 PM.The Padres will look to Yu Darvish versus the Giants and Logan Webb.Padres vs. Giants...

    Astros vs. Yankees Probable Starting Pitchers – March 28

    The Houston Astros (0-0) and the New York Yankees (0-0) face off on Thursday at Minute Maid Park for Opening Day. First pitch is at 4:10 PM ET.The Astros will call on Framber Valdez against the Yankees and Nestor Cortes...

    Reds vs. Nationals Probable Starting Pitchers – March 28

    The Cincinnati Reds (0-0) and the Washington Nationals (0-0) face off on Thursday at Great American Ball Park for Opening Day. First pitch is at 4:10 PM ET.The Reds will call on Frankie Montas against the Nationals and Josiah Gray.Reds...

    Marlins vs. Pirates Probable Starting Pitchers – March 28

    The Miami Marlins (0-0) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (0-0) match up on Thursday at LoanDepot park for Opening Day. First pitch is at 4:10 PM ET.The Marlins will look to Jesus Luzardo versus the Pirates and Mitch Keller.Marlins vs. Pirates...

    Twins vs. Royals Probable Starting Pitchers – March 28

    The Kansas City Royals (0-0) host the Minnesota Twins (0-0) in an Opening Day contest at 4:10 PM ET on Thursday.The Twins will call on Pablo Lopez versus the Royals and Cole Ragans.Twins vs. Royals Pitcher Matchup and Game InfoWhen:...

    more bears news