Chicago Bears NFL Preseason: Key Takeaways and Promising Start

Justin Skyler Fields (born March 5, 1999) is a professional American football quarterback currently playing for the New York Jets in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Ohio State University, where he was a highly decorated starter from 2019 to 2020. During his tenure at Ohio State, Fields led the team to a 20-2 record and back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances, the first in school history. He amassed 4,187 passing yards with 41 passing touchdowns, alongside 2,096 rushing yards and 28 rushing touchdowns in two years as a starter. Fields earned multiple honors including the 2020 Chicago Tribune Silver Football award, Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, Sugar Bowl MVP, and was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2019[1]. Fields was selected 11th overall in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, continuing Ohio State’s streak of producing first-round draft picks. He spent his first few professional seasons with the Bears, becoming known for his dual-threat capabilities as a passer and runner[1][2]. In 2023, Fields was traded to the New York Jets, where he currently wears jersey number 7 and is positioned as the team's starting quarterback. At 6 feet 3 inches and 227 pounds, Fields is noted for his physicality and athleticism behind center[2][3][4]. In the NFL, Fields has shown promise but also faced challenges adjusting to the professional level. His playing style involves significant rushing contributions, ranking among the top quarterbacks in rush attempts and touchdowns. Discussions around his performance and potential remain active among analysts and fans alike, especially concerning his development with the Jets and his role in their offensive strategy[2][4][5].

Khalil Mack is a professional American football linebacker currently playing for the Los Angeles Chargers in the National Football League (NFL). Born on February 22, 1991, in Florida, Mack played college football at the University at Buffalo, where he established himself as one of the top defensive players in NCAA history. He entered the NFL when drafted fifth overall by the Oakland Raiders in the 2014 NFL Draft. Mack quickly emerged as a dominant defensive force, known for his ability to rush the passer and make impactful tackles. In his second NFL season (2015), he recorded 15 sacks and made history by becoming the first player named to the Associated Press All-Pro First Team at two positions—right defensive end and outside linebacker—in the same year. He has been selected to multiple Pro Bowls and has earned recognition as one of the league’s premier defenders. In 2018, Mack was traded to the Chicago Bears, where he continued to excel, contributing significantly to the team’s defense. After several seasons in Chicago, he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he remains an influential defensive player. His career statistics include over 100 sacks and numerous forced turnovers, demonstrating his consistent impact on the field. As of 2025, Mack is active with the Chargers, having recently signed an $18 million extension. Despite some injury concerns, he remains a key player known for his versatility and leadership on defense. Mack’s career is marked by his explosive playmaking ability, earning him a respected place among the NFL’s elite defenders.

Khalil Herbert is a professional American football running back born on April 21, 1998, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He stands at 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 212 pounds. Herbert's early football career began at American Heritage High School in Plantation, Florida, before he committed to Kansas University. He spent four years with the Kansas Jayhawks, where he showcased his ability by averaging 5.4 yards per carry and demonstrating a 40-yard dash speed of 4.55 seconds[4]. After his tenure at Kansas, Herbert transferred to Virginia Tech for his final collegiate season. During this time, he set career highs, running for 1,182 yards on 154 carries, scoring eight rushing touchdowns, and catching ten passes for 179 yards, including an additional touchdown[4]. Herbert's impressive performance at Virginia Tech led to his selection in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears with the 217th overall pick[2][4]. Herbert gained significant playing time with the Bears, particularly in his early seasons. He became notable for his ability to fill in for injured starters and deliver strong performances. One of his standout games was against the Green Bay Packers, where he ran for 97 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries[4]. More recently, Herbert has been involved in transactions, and as of the latest updates, he was associated with the New York Jets[1][2]. Additionally, there were reports of him being briefly involved with the Indianapolis Colts, though this was short-lived[7]. Currently, Herbert remains active in the NFL, contributing to his team's efforts as a versatile running back. His ability to adapt and perform under pressure has made him a valuable asset in the league. Despite recent team changes, Herbert continues to be a figure of interest in fantasy football and NFL analysis due to his consistent and impactful performances on the field[1][5].

Jesper Horsted is an American professional football player born on February 27, 1997, in Shoreview, Minnesota. He played college football at Princeton University, where he was a standout wide receiver. At Princeton, Horsted earned unanimous first-team All-Ivy League honors and set single-season school records for receptions (92) and touchdown receptions (14). He was also recognized as an All-America honoree and finalist for the Ivy League’s top awards. In addition to football, Horsted played baseball at Princeton, having been a multi-sport athlete in high school, excelling in football, baseball, and basketball at Roseville Area High School in Minnesota[1][3][5][6]. Horsted's high school career was distinguished by several notable achievements, including setting a Minnesota state record for single-game receptions (19 for 293 yards) during the 2013 playoffs. He was named Minnesota High School Athlete of the Year in 2015 and earned multiple all-state and all-conference honors across several sports. Academically, he was a National Honor Society member and an Academic All-State honoree[1][5]. After college, Horsted transitioned to professional football as a tight end. He initially joined the NFL with the Chicago Bears before signing with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022, where he played 28 games over two seasons. Most recently, he has been associated with the New Orleans Saints, continuing his NFL career as a tight end[2][7][3]. Jesper Horsted is noted for his size (6 feet 4 inches, approximately 225-237 pounds) and athletic versatility, having successfully transitioned from a college wide receiver to a professional tight end. His career highlights include breaking collegiate records at Princeton and maintaining an active role in the NFL through multiple team engagements.