CHICAGO (CBS) – The Chicago Bears returned to Halas Hall this week for voluntary offseason team activities.
Head coach Matt Eberflus noted that everything is a work in progress as the Bears wrap up their first week of OTAs. This includes top pick Caleb Williams and the offense, which DJ Moore admitted had some frustrating moments on Thursday.
“Right now, we’re all just getting used to each other,” Moore said. “We all have to learn a new offense. With him, you just have to accept that there will be growing pains. He’s got a lot to learn.”
New Bears defensive back Keith Byard stated that the defense’s job was to challenge Williams and the offense as much as possible.
“We had a good day. I’m not going to lie about that, but it’s expected,” Byard said. “You have a top-15, top-10 defense going against a young, rookie quarterback who’s getting acclimated, showing some swagger, and talking trash. He needs to lead us, and that’s how it’s going to be.”
Byard mentioned he encouraged Williams after practice, saying, “Keep going. We’re going to keep making you better.”
Eberflus described attendance at OTAs as “great” despite some veterans like receiver Keenan Allen and defensive end Montez Sweat missing practice. Offensive linemen Darnell Wright and Nate Davis also didn’t practice, but Eberflus noted that everyone has been at Halas Hall at some point during the offseason program.
He also praised Moore as the hardest worker on the team, emphasizing that Moore wasn’t there just for the money.
“There’s $200,000 on the line,” Moore said. “I want to be here and make that money, but beyond that, you have to build that connection with Caleb and everyone else.”
When asked if Allen should also be practicing daily, Moore explained that his 32-year-old teammate is a seasoned veteran and it’s acceptable for him to miss practice for his wife and daughter’s birthdays.
Rookie receiver Rome Odunze was present but dealing with a hamstring injury and is expected to return next week.
The Bears’ next practice is scheduled for Friday.
