The Chicago Bears battle the Indianapolis Colts in their second preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium tonight.
Head coach Matt Eberflus revealed quarterback Justin Fields and select starters won’t participate in the game after getting valuable reps during their two joint practices with the Colts earlier this week.
But there will be plenty of storylines to monitor, including how roster bubble players fare and some developing position battles.
Follow along with Bears Wire for all the updates and highlights from the game:
Game time!
New handshake unlocked 🤝 pic.twitter.com/WENPDaTcVr
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 19, 2023
Bears defense gets three-and-out on first series
The Bears defense forced a three-and-out on the first series of the game. The Colts totaled nine yards in three plays, which included a costly penalty to negate what would’ve been a first down.
Bears offense goes three-and-out
With quarterback Justin Fields and a good number of starters not playing, P.J. Walker started for Chicago. But things didn’t get off to a good start, as the offense went three-and-out with negative yardage (-2).
Bears defense gets another stop
While the Colts offense was able to move the ball on the Bears on their second series, Chicago was aided by some self-inflicted wounds by Indianapolis, including a holding call on third-and-1. An eight-play, 31-yard drive that lasted 5:17 ended in a Colts punt.
Bears offense stalls again
At least Chicago’s offense didn’t go three-and-out this time. The Bears went 29 yards in seven plays before stalling for the second straight series. The Bears were aided by a penalty that extended the drive. But it ended as the first one did: with a Trenton Gill punt.
Tyrique Stevenson had an interception go right through his hands
What should’ve been an interception for rookie cornerback Tyrique Stevenson turned into a Colts touchdown from Gardner Minshew to Juwann Winfree. The score capped a 12-play, 74-yard drive.
Minshew to Winfree for 6!
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/UlaKNxdq3a
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) August 19, 2023
Colts 7, Bears 0
Tyson Bagent replaces P.J. Walker
Undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent replaced P.J. Walker in the second quarter and immediately ignited the Bears offense. He went 7-of-8 for 61 yards and a 2-yard touchdown run on his first series. Chicago certainly looks to have a QB2 battle on their hands.
Tyson Bagent keeps it for the score
.@tysbagent dives in for his first NFL touchdown 🙌
📺: #CHIvsIND on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/5R324v96Lf
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 20, 2023
Bears 7, Colts 7
HALFTIME: Bears 7, Colts 7
Cairo Santos extends Chicago's lead
With Nathan Peterman replacing Bagent in the third quarter, he led the Bears to their first points of the half — a 50-yard field goal from Cairo Santos. Chicago went 16 yards in eight plays for the field goal, after the Bears defense forced a turnover on downs by the Colts.
Bears 10, Colts 7
Nathan Peterman to Daurice Fountain for 35-yard touchdown
.@NatePeterman goes deep to @Reece_JMM for 6 😮💨
📺: #CHIvsIND on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/PEIR5Nqt13
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 20, 2023
Bears 17, Colts 7
Sam Ehlinger cuts into Chicago's lead
.@sehlinger3 tucks it and scores!
📺: #CHIvsIND on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/L9mPiySUki pic.twitter.com/wgXtXRJEJD— NFL (@NFL) August 20, 2023
Bears 17, Colts 13
Jake Funk gives the Colts the lead
.@jakefunk34 gives us the lead!
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/7R1VwuSs4D
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) August 20, 2023
Colts 21, Bears 17
FINAL: Colts 24, Bears 17
