The 1-5 Chicago Bears will play the 3-3 Las Vegas Raiders at Soldier Field in a Week 7 matchup. Here’s what you need to know before kickoff (noon, FOX).
‘I’ve pretty much beat every odd that there was for me’
Five years ago, Tyson Bagent was beginning his collegiate career at Division II Shepherd, in Shepherdstown, W.Va., his local university and the alma mater of his parents. He had received just two Division I FCS offers — and no FBS offers — despite leading his high school team to two state championships.
Less than six months ago, he went unselected in the NFL draft despite a record-breaking collegiate career and solid performance at the Senior Bowl.
Seven weeks ago, after a strong training camp and preseason, he beat out veteran PJ Walker to make the Bears roster despite entering camp as the fourth quarterback.
Now, on Sunday when he takes the field against the Raiders, Bagent will become just the fourth undrafted rookie quarterback since 1990 to start within the first seven games of the season, the last Devlin Hodges in 2019, according to NFL Communications. Read more here.
Column: Backup quarterbacks are traditionally a Bears fan’s best friend — until they aren’t
5 things to watch in the Bears-Raiders game — plus our Week 7 predictions
Looking ahead to the 2024 NFL draft
There is always that one player — the guy who stands out from the rest, who rises to the occasion, blossoms in the moment and lives in memories for years to come.
That player is never a Bears quarterback.
With 11 games remaining and the timeline unclear for Justin Fields to return from a dislocated right thumb, it’s becoming likely the Bears will be in the market for a quarterback again in the 2024 NFL draft.
The Tribune traveled to Chapel Hill, N.C., to see Drake Maye and to South Bend, Ind., to see Caleb Williams, also speaking with 11 talent evaluators, ranging from national scouts to GMs, as well as others about the two quarterbacks’ prospects and the Bears’ options. Read more here.
2024 NFL draft watch: Caleb Williams’ clunker at Notre Dame doesn’t deter evaluators that the USC QB will be the No. 1 pick
2024 NFL draft watch: How QB Drake Maye is elevating North Carolina’s profile while boosting his own stock
Stats package
The Bears will look to end a 56-week drought without a home victory when they face the Raiders at Soldier Field.
The Bears are again underdogs, however, and will have to put forth a crisp and complete effort to get back on the winning track. Read more here.
Miss anything this week? Catch up before kickoff.
Bears Week 7 storylines: Tyson Bagent’s underdog charm, Justin Fields’ unclear prognosis and a possible defensive resurgence
Bears Q&A: Why haven’t we heard from Kevin Warren? What are the chances they land 2 top-5 picks?
3 things we learned about the Bears, including Tyson Bagent’s preparation and Cody Whitehair’s reboot efforts
Chicago police say they’re looking into viral brawl between Bears fans at Soldier Field
3 things we heard from the Bears, including a new hire for the coaching staff and the latest on Nate Davis’ injury
Flag football is now an Olympic sport — and the Bears hope local outreach continues to grow the game
NFL considers eliminating hip-drop tackles, will review the ‘tush push’ again after the season
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