Chicago Bears: 2017 Training camp preview

The Chicago Bears are once again holding training camp in Bourbonnais, and here’s everything you need to know about the 2017 camp.

Once again, the Chicago Bears will be hosting training camp at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais. As always, entrance to camp is free for fans. However, there is a new wrinkle this year. Fans must print out free tickets via the Chicago Bears official website and present them upon entering. There are several opportunities for fans to see their favorite team prepare for the upcoming 2017 season. The complete schedule can be found here.

There are many storylines to follow in camp, most notably at quarterback where Mike Glennon and Mitchell Trubisky’s every throw will be carefully monitored and scrutinized. The Bears have stated that Glennon is the starter, but it will be very interesting to see exactly how snaps are split between the two.

Another interesting storyline is at wide receiver. With Alshon Jeffery’s departure, the Bears lack a sure-thing at receiver. Markus Wheaton and Kendall Wright were signed in free agency, and the Bears still have high hopes for Cameron Meredith and Kevin White. It’ll be fascinating to see what Victor Cruz still has left in the tank, as the former Pro-Bowler has battled several injuries the past three seasons.

More from Chicago Bears

• Chicago Bears HC Matt Eberflus speaks on a number of team issues
• Roschon Johnson showing he can be Chicago Bears RB1
• Lingering free agent could be an absolute godsend for Chicago Bears
• Chicago Bears: Should Tyson Bagent be the backup quarterback?
• Chicago Bears: 3 replacements if Justin Fields isn’t the answer

The defense also has its fair-share of things to closely monitor. The secondary could have as many as four new starters, and the defensive line could evolve into a dominant force if Jonathan Bullard or Jaye Howard can contribute to the already solid production from Eddie Goldman and Akiem Hicks.

Starting linebacker Danny Trevathan, who tore his patellar tendon in Week 12, likely will be limited to begin camp, and might even be placed on the Physically-Unable-to-Perform (PUP) list. If that’s the case, second-year player Nick Kwiatkoski would take over one of the starting inside linebacker spots. The 2016 fourth-round pick has some upside, and it will be interesting to see what he does with such a large opportunity.

Training camp will also be a big factor for the special teams units. Kicker Connor Barth has to perform better than last he did at times last season, or else the Bears will have to find some competition for him.

Watching the return game should be fun, as rookie Tarik Cohen and free agent addition Benny Cunningham figure to add a spark as returners. And don’t forget about some of the players battling for a final roster spot, as they most likely will need to perform well on coverage units to make the 53-man roster.

Speaking of the 53-man roster, NFL teams only have to make one cut down this year. Unlike in years prior, where teams had to trim their roster in mid-August from 90 players to 75, and then from 75 players to 53 in September, teams only have to make a cut from 90 to 53 players by Sept. 3. This means the Bears should get a longer look at some of the “fringe” players that are battling for a spot.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Pre-training camp

It should be another fun training camp for Bears fans. As always, there are great opportunities to get player’s autographs and other free giveaways from the team. So, if you can stand the sometimes brutal heat, head down to Bourbonnais and get your first look at what the 2017 Chicago Bears look like!