LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Early Tuesday morning before the Bears took to the practice fields at Halas Hall, head coach Ben Johnson warned them what was coming.
“This is a big one for us,” Johnson said as he looked ahead to practice.
That was indeed the case. The Bears held their most physical practice of camp Tuesday, a two-hour session in full pads that featured live tackling, a fast tempo and several scuffles.
It was the type of practice that hasn't been seen in the last decade during training camps for the Bears and one that was a departure from the prevailing philosophy across the NFL regarding being careful with live tackling.
“That's what we should practice like every day,” Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson said. “That's the message the team shot to us, the coaching staff and everybody, that's what we need to see out there every day to be a championship defense and championship offense. Moving forward, that's what we want to say at practice.”
For Johnson’s offense, the intent of this practice was to complete the installation process of the new scheme while focusing on short-yardage and goal-line scenarios. With that as context, there was a stronger emphasis on the running game.
In a departure from most practices, tackles were completed to the ground instead of being halted with an early whistle. Some hits were more physical than others. Early in practice, Bears receiver Rome Odunze had his helmet removed in a skirmish.
Bears running back Roschon Johnson was involved in a one-on-one fight with safety Jonathan Owens in which punches were traded. Johnson later ran down the sideline to finish the rep.
"It's just camp," Johnson said. "Football, hot, tempers flare, getting competitive. That's all it was.
"We compete at a high level. Stuff like that is bound to happen."
Bears players will be off Wednesday before returning to the practice field Thursday for a lighter session. They'll then welcome the Dolphins in for a joint practice Friday.
As Johnson gathered the Bears together on the field at the conclusion of practice Tuesday, he reminded them of the purpose of the demanding session.
“We’re putting money in the bank every day,” Stevenson said, relaying that message. “This league doesn't know what's coming for them because we putting in daily deposits every day.”
Injury report
Bears tight end Cole Kmet left practice with an apparent injury. The Bears didn't immediately have an update on his status. Reserve center Doug Kramer seemed to get rolled up but walked off on his own power.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.