In a preseason finale where both teams rested most of their starters, the Chicago Bears emerged victorious with a 34-21 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent led the Bears with a touchdown on the opening drive, showcasing his skills with a 3-of-6 passing performance for 57 yards along with a rushing touchdown. Bagent is in contention for the backup role behind top draft pick Caleb Williams.
Chicago's defense shined with Reddy Steward intercepting two passes, returning one for a 48-yard touchdown. Velus Jones, a wide receiver turned running back, made a strong case for a spot on the 53-man roster with 13 carries for 111 yards and a touchdown.
Bears coach Matt Eberflus praised his team's performance, emphasizing the effort they put in both games and practices. The game was briefly halted in the second half due to an injury to Bears cornerback Douglas Coleman III, who was immobilized and taken to the hospital for evaluation.
For the Chiefs, Carson Steele stood out with an impressive performance, rushing for 50 yards on four carries, including a 31-yard run to set up a touchdown. The Chiefs also secured a significant contract extension with Creed Humphrey, making him the highest-paid center in NFL history.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid commended Humphrey's contributions to the team and expressed appreciation for his presence. Despite the loss, the Chiefs saw promising plays from Jaylen Watson, who returned from a shoulder injury, and DeAndre Carter, who is vying for punt return duties.
Both teams dealt with injuries during the game, with players like Larry Borom and Nsimba Webster for the Bears, and Wanya Morris for the Chiefs sustaining injuries. Looking ahead, the Bears will open their regular season against Tennessee, while the Chiefs will host Baltimore in a rematch of the AFC title game.
Sources: AP NFL