Bears release 2017 preseason schedule

This afternoon, the Chicago Bears revealed their August 2017 pre-season schedule that will take place in advance of the regular season. Always an interesting test and build-up during the rigors of training camp.

First up on the docket and for the second consecutive year, the Bears will warm up and open against the Denver Broncos at Soldier Field (August 10th-14th)

After that, the Bears will head on the road to take on the Arizona Cardinals as the August heat ramps up (August 17th-21st).

Then, in the all important third dress rehearsal game, Chicago goes to visit the Tennessee Titans, as the starters for both squads will more than likely play well into the second half before shutting down and resting for the regular season afterwards (Sunday, August 27th).

The game should be a fascinating test for the Bears defense as the Titans and quarterback, Marcus Mariota, largely had their way with Chicago on offense, with 375 yards of offense, 149 yards rushing, and 27 points, when the two squads met in late November of the 2016 season. It’ll also be a barometer for new quarterback Mike Glennon to get a final measuring stick of his performance and comfort in new digs as Chicago’s upcoming starter before the season kicks off in September.

Finally, as the teams adhere to their set agreement for the fourth preseason game, the Bears will again meet the Cleveland Browns in as fringe roster guys for both sides attempt to cement themselves on their respective rosters (August 31st-September 1st).

The series alternates venues, so this year the game will be played in Chicago at Soldier Field.

Each of the exhibitions will be broadcast by the Bears’ local team on FOX 32 other than the game against Tennessee, which is a national game on the FOX network. Of the four contests, only the Titans game has a set date and time (noon). The exact dates and times of the other games will be announced at a later date.

Now, we await the regular season schedule release from the NFL later this month. Typically, the league waits until around mid-April for that information with TV specials planned, but there has been no official word yet.

The 2017 NFL league year is being set into motion, as the upcoming draft, mini-camp, and more is on the horizon.

Robert Zeglinski is the Bears beat writer for the Rock River Times and is a staff writer for Windy City Gridiron and Second City Hockey. You can follow him on Twitter @RobertZeglinski.