# Chicago Bears preseason player performances

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/chicago-bears-preseason-player-performances
> Updated: 2026-09-10T13:15:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 4.

Chicago Bears rookies have delivered notable performances during the NFL preseason. In their debut against the Cleveland Browns, defensive tackle Jordan Van Den Berg recorded three quarterback pressures and a run stuff, while cornerback Malik Muhammad recorded five tackles in the nickel position. Muhammad is currently viewed as a potential starter due to injuries affecting the secondary, including soft-tissue concerns for Kyler Gordon and knee surgery for safety Coby Bryant.

Following the debut, Van Den Berg continued to stand out in a matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, earning a defensive grade of 90.9 from Pro Football Focus. He has since earned increased playing time with the first-team unit following an impressive training camp.

Defensive tackle Jamree Kromah has also emerged as a notable performer after losing 20 pounds to improve his conditioning. Kromah recorded six tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks during his first two preseason games.

Other roster updates include developments at the left tackle position, where Ozzy Trapilo has been activated off the PUP list to participate in individual drills, while Braxton Jones continues to practice in full.

As the 2026 season approaches, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has identified Van Den Berg as a potential breakout player who could “come out of nowhere” to impact the defensive front. The rookie’s high athleticism, marked by a Relative Athletic Score of 9.99 out of 10, has bolstered team confidence. This shift is further evidenced by the Chicago Bears trading Gervon Dexter Sr. to the Atlanta Falcons, a move suggesting the organization views the former Georgia Tech player as a key component of their defensive rebuild.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Jordan van den Berg identified as potential breakout for Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears rookie defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg is projected as a major breakout candidate for the 2026 season following strong preseason performances.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jordan-van-den-berg-identified-as-potential-breakout-for-chicago-bears

### 2026-08-28: Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings preseason updates

Chicago Bears defensive linemen Jordan van den Berg and Jamree Kromah are making preseason impacts, while Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson discusses his leadership role following a difficult statistical season

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-bears-and-minnesota-vikings-preseason-updates

### 2026-08-22: Jordan van den Berg emerges as standout for Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears rookie defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg has impressed during the preseason with strong performances against the Browns and Bengals, earning high grades for his disruptive play.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jordan-van-den-berg-emerges-as-standout-for-chicago-bears

### 2026-08-15: Chicago Bears rookies Van Den Berg and Muhammad shine in preseason debut

Chicago Bears rookies Jordan Van Den Berg and Malik Muhammad stood out in the preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns, with both players making strong cases for significant roles.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-bears-rookies-van-den-berg-and-muhammad-shine-in-preseason-debut

---
Cite as: Chicago Bears preseason player performances. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/chicago-bears-preseason-player-performances