The Chicago Bears will face the Cleveland Browns in their preseason finale on Saturday, and head coach Matt Eberflus revealed that Chicago’s starters will play for the first half.
There was a belief that starters could sit as to avoid any significant injuries. But given the starters haven’t had a lot of reps through the first two preseason games, it makes sense to give them some more in the finale.
The Bears are simulating a game week, and the extended action in the final preseason game should help players get into a rhythm ahead of the regular season.
Once again, Eberflus said reps will vary by player. While some veterans are expected to sit, others, including quarterback Justin Fields, will play up to the half.
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus says the starters will play up to the half, around 25-30 plays, on Saturday in Cleveland. Selected, experienced players will exit before that.
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) August 23, 2022
Someone who will make his preseason debut this summer is linebacker Roquan Smith, who Eberflus confirmed will play as part of his ramp-up phase ahead of the regular season.
Smith missed most of training camp and the first two preseason games amid a “hold-in” with contract negotiations. With the regular season just a few weeks away, it’ll be beneficial for Smith to get out there with his teammates.
Suddenly, this final preseason game got a lot more interesting.
