Chicago Bears prep for 2026 season amid Panthers injuries and Australian rugby tryout

Chicago Bears Ben Te Kura Panthers injuries Nic Scourton NFL training camp

The Chicago Bears opened their second training camp under head coach Ben Johnson ahead of the 2026 NFL season. As part of the camp, the team hosted a tryout for Ben Te Kura, a 6‑foot‑9, 268‑lb former Brisbane Broncos front‑rower, who aims to transition to offensive tackle. Released by the Broncos to pursue an NFL career, Te Kura has already worked out with the Bears and the Seattle Seahawks and is being compared to former NRL‑to‑NFL player Jordan Mailata.

In the lead‑up to their week‑one matchup, the Bears' opponent, the Carolina Panthers, suffered a spate of injuries. Starting offensive tackles Ikem Ekwonuis and Taylor Moton are sidelined, and rookie pass rusher Nic Scourton tore his ACL, removing a key sack threat. The Panthers' depleted pass rush and run‑defense could shape the opening‑day contest as the Bears finalize their game plan.

Sources

Chicago Bears reveal bad news on Kyler Gordon, Shemar Turner [www.chicitysports.com]

5 days ago

A Brutal Nic Scourton Update Is More Good News For The Bears [www.sportsmockery.com]

7 days ago

5 burning questions for Bears offense heading into training camp [ca.sports.yahoo.com]

5 days ago

Bears Place $20 Million Defensive Starter on Injury List Before Camp [heavy.com]

5 days ago

Are the Bears Getting Desperate at Left Tackle Ahead of Training Camp? [www.si.com]

5 days ago