Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson confirmed the team will deploy their starters when they face the Kansas City Chiefs in the preseason finale this Friday. This game will provide a crucial evaluation opportunity as the Bears prepare for the regular season.
Although Johnson did not hold a formal press conference on Tuesday, he revealed the decision during an interview with Kay Adams on the Up and Adams show, underscoring the importance of this matchup for the Bears’ roster assessment.
We’ll go ahead, we’ll play, we’ll see how long it is,
Johnson said after confirming the starters’ involvement.
We’re going to get through a couple days here at practice and we’ll determine for how long, but we need to go through this.
—Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears Head Coach
Chiefs Coach Andy Reid Also Plans to Start Key Players
Similarly, Chiefs coach Andy Reid announced during his Monday press conference that Kansas City will also begin the game with their starters. This marks a notable contrast to many preseason games where starters see limited time.
Yeah, they’ll start it off for sure and then we will see how it goes from there,
Reid said about the Chiefs’ starters in the game.
Reid’s direct communication came in a traditional press conference setting, which was appreciated by reporters for its openness.
Caleb Williams and Bears’ Offensive Line to Face First-Team Defense
Quarterback Caleb Williams is expected to see extended action as he competes against a first-team defense. This will be Williams’ first time matched up against a starting defensive unit this preseason, following his limited but productive snaps against Buffalo last Sunday.
Williams completed 6 of 10 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown during two series against the Bills’ backups, demonstrating efficiency in his initial preseason action.
On the offensive front, left tackles Theo Benedet and Braxton Jones will face a significant test against the Chiefs’ defensive starters. Last week’s opponents, including Buffalo and Miami, featured mostly backup defenders early on, so this will offer a more accurate gauge of the Bears’ protection schemes.
Running Back Group Could See Key Contributors Return
The game may also provide insight into the Bears’ running back corps, which entered the previous game dealing with injuries. Roschon Johnson, Travis Homer, and Kyle Monangai were sidelined against the Bills but could return against Kansas City.
This matchup could clarify the depth and durability of the team’s backfield, especially as they contend with the physical demands of the NFL season.
Implications for Bears’ Regular Season Outlook
Facing the Chiefs’ starters gives the Bears an essential opportunity to evaluate Caleb Williams under pressure and to test their offensive line integrity. Likewise, it offers a chance to examine the readiness of their running backs and defensive adjustments before the season begins.
Both teams’ decisions to play their starters signal a commitment to using the preseason finale as a preparation and evaluation platform, rather than simply a tune-up game. This approach may set the tone for roster decisions and game-planning moving forward.