Chicago Sun-Times

OFFENSE (25 PLAYERS)

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Quarterbac­ks

Starting: Andy Dalton

Making the team: Justin Fields, Nick Foles Biggest camp developmen­t: Fields is ahead of schedule and will push Dalton for the starting job sooner than the Bears first believed. Foles’ impassione­d speech at the start of camp didn’t drum up interest from teams looking to trade for a quarterbac­k, though the Bears still would like to move him.

He said it: “We’ve talked about that process and the one thing that I’ll say about Justin is he completely understand­s it . ... The support that he has in this plan, the support that he has for Andy, is pretty neat.” — Nagy

Running backs

Starting: David Montgomery

Making the team: Damien Williams, Khalil Herbert, Ryan Nall, Tarik Cohen*

Outside looking in: Artavis Pierce

Biggest camp developmen­t: After starting camp on the physically unable-to-perform list, Cohen still doesn’t seem close to returning to game action after having knee surgery in October. If the Bears start the regular season with him on PUP — and that’s the bet here — he’ll have to sit out six weeks.

He said it: “[Montgomery] runs with a chip on his shoulder. I want to ask him, like, ‘What have you got going on personally you know, that makes you run like this?’” — Williams

Wide receivers

Starting: Allen Robinson, Darnell Mooney

Making the team: Damiere Byrd, Marquise Goodwin, Dazz Newsome, Rodney Adams Outside looking in: Javon Wims, Riley Ridley, Jon’Vea Johnson, Isaiah Coulter, Chris Lacy Biggest camp developmen­t: Veterans Wims and Ridley haven’t flashed, but Adams has. Adams’ 146 receiving yards rank second in the NFL through two preseason games.

He said it: “His skill sets are starting to show.” — receivers coach Mike Furrey, on Adams

Tight ends

Starting: Cole Kmet

Making the team: Jimmy Graham, Jesse

James

Outside looking in: J.P. Holtz, Jesper Horsted, Scooter Harrington

Biggest camp developmen­t: Signed on the eve of camp, James has produced all preseason long; only two tight ends in the NFL have more receiving yards than his 92. Holtz’s versatilit­y makes him a likely practice-squad player if the Bears cut him. He said it: “I like his size. I like his hands. And he’s a smart guy . ... He definitely knows what he’s doing out there.” — Fields, on James

Offensive line

Starting: Jason Peters, Cody Whitehair, Sam Mustipher, James Daniels, Germain Ifedi

Making the team: Elijah Wilkinson, Alex Bars, Larry Borom, Teven Jenkins

Outside looking in: Lachavious Simmons, Arlington Hambright, Dieter Eiselen, Adam Redmond, Tyrone Wheatley Jr.

Biggest camp developmen­t: The Bears scrambled for a left tackle before signing the 39-year-old Peters, a future Hall of Famer, with hopes he’ll stay healthy. Jenkins, who had back surgery last week, must start the season on the 53-man roster to be eligible to return from injured reserve later this season.

He said it: “The camaraderi­e and the chemistry are going to come because ... I’m not holding his hand, I’m blocking my guy.” — Peters, on helping teammates

 ?? AP, GETTY IMAGES ?? Allen Robinson
AP, GETTY IMAGES Allen Robinson
 ??  ?? David Montgomery
David Montgomery
 ??  ?? Jesse James
Jesse James
 ??  ?? Jason Peters
Jason Peters
 ??  ?? Akiem Hicks
Akiem Hicks

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