Here are the five Bears players to watch during Saturday's preseason game against the Cleveland Browns at Soldier Field.
The Chicago Bears play an actual football game on Saturday, granted it's a preseason matchup against the Cleveland Browns at Soldier Field.
Head coach Ben Johnson announced that a number of starters will not play in this game, including quarterback Caleb Williams, but the team will still "get some good evals of the guys that are out there."
This Week 1 preseason game is a massive opportunity for players looking to make a lasting impression on the coaching staff to secure a spot on the 53-man roster.
Here are five players I will be paying close attention to on Saturday.
Kiran Amegadjie, OT, Year 3
The former third-round draft pick from Yale will get the start at left tackle on Saturday. Johnson mentioned he has seen him improve this year from last year, but he does want to see some more consistency.
I've seen Amegadjie get beat around the edge with speed and an inside move in training camp. Lets see how the Bears' left tackle handles the Browns' edge rushers. It will also be important for Amegadjie to show that he can create rushing lanes for the running backs.
Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Year 6
The former 2020 first-round pick from Alabama is still trying to find his footing in the Bears' offense. Johnson can tell Wills is still thinking, which isn't uncommon for a player in the first-year in a new system.
The 6-foot-4, 307-pound offensive tackle will rotate with Amegadjie throughout the game, and if he Wills can play fast and use his physicality to his advantage, he's a great opportunity to keep his name in the discussion for the starting left tackle job.
Logan Jones, C, Rookie
Throughout training camp, the Bears' second-round draft pick has played primarily with the second-team offense at center. Veteran Garrett Bradbury has a firm hold on the starting position and that will likely continue heading into the regular season.
On the days I've attended training camp, I haven't noticed too much from Jones. There have been some low snaps and, at times, he's been driven back in one-on-one matchups. I want to see how the former 57th overall pick does in those areas on Saturday. Also, watch Jones when he does get in space, especially at the second level. That's where he can help make blocks and create lanes for the backfield.
Malik Muhammad, CB, Rookie
With all the injuries in the secondary, Muhammad has played outside cornerback with the second-team defense and at the nickel spot with the starters. Tracking wherever No. 24 is on the field will be noteworthy.
If Muhammad plays well against the Browns on the outside and in the slot, he will only increase his chances of playing with the starting defense at some point in the regular season.
When Muhammad gets an opportunity to play at nickel, I want to see his reaction skills and tackling ability against the run. Everything happens quicker in the slot, so that will be a good test for the Bears' fourth-round pick.
Jordan van den Berg, IDL, Rookie
Here is somebody that continues to climb up the Bears' depth chart. Van den Berg has climbed from the third-team defense to the starters and has made some plays throughout training camp.
It wouldn't surprise me to see the sixth-round pick from Georgia Tech finish with a tackle for loss and some pressures on Saturday.
Honorable Mention
Wide receiver Kaden Davis has consistently scored touchdowns in training camp. In Thursday's training camp practice, quarterback Tyson Bagent connected with Davis for a 70-yard touchdown.
The Bears may keep five to six wide receivers on the 53-man roster, so the preseason is Davis' time to capitalize on his opportunities to force the team to make a tough decision when these exhibition games are over.


