Chicago Bears fans will finally get to see the starting lineup stay on the field for at least one half this week versus the Oakland Raiders, although head coach Marc Trestman did not identify who the starters would be. And he didn't say which starters would continue to rest.
"We've seen enough of the top guys, but we haven't seen them together against competition other than the Chicago Bears," said coach Marc Trestman. "It's important that they get out and from a conditioning aspect, from a reps standpoint, from playing through more adversity and more success, just get them a chance to play together."
"We'll game plan with structure that is designed to attack, but not designed to give up formations and personnel groupings that we may use down the road," Trestman said. "That's about as frank as I could be. [It will be] simpler than what we may do during the season but enough to be able to create opportunities for these guys to get open in the passing game and certainly be able to run the football."
It's not a stretch to say that at least 80% of the starting lineup is already apparent, but several positions have yet to be worked out. Of course, the ever-scrutinized offensive line will take center stage, with a couple of rookies looking to make a significant splash. First round pick Kyle Long and fifth rounder Jordan Mills are both hoping to land starting roles.
Another rookie, linebacker Jon Bostic, hopes to build on his momentum from the preseason, and could also push for a starting spot in the lineup. He will be battling veteran D.J Williams, who has been nursing a calf injury, to replace Brian Urlacher in the middle.
Care to drop your starting lineup predictions in the comments?