The Bears’ general manager, head coach and head athletic trainer met the media today

Earlier today the Chicago Bears made general manager Ryan Pace, head coach Matt Nagy, and head athletic trainer Andre Tucker available via a conference call to the media and they discussed a variety of pre-training camp topics.

You can watch the presser in it’s entirety in the Tweet below, but I’ll share a few interesting nuggets right after.

Tucker kicked off the meeting and as expected he went deep into the Bears plan for keeping the staff and players healthy during the coronavirus pandemic, with an emphasis on how important it is to educate everyone in the origination. The NFL isn’t doing a bubble like the NBA, so it’s paramount that the entire team is responsible when outside Halas Hall as well. “Is the risk worth the reward?” Tucker posed to the team about doing things away from football, “If you’re hesitant about it. Don’t do it.”

The Bears have taken several precautions to lessen the chances of anyone coming into contact with COVID-19, but if someone does they have a plan in place for that as well

Pace said they didn’t expect any other players other than Eddie Goldman to opt out of the 2020 season, but if another does they’ll respect the players wishes and be prepared to move on this year.

He also said they feel comfortable with the players they have on the current roster to make up for Goldman’s loss, but the option is always there to sign a free agent.

The Nick Foles vs Mitchell Trubisky quarterback competition was a topic of discussion and Nagy admitted that Foles not being able to work out with his new teammates will be a disadvantage. He also said that the competition will still be wide open and that every thing they do in practice will be monitored. From a mental rep in a meeting, to drill work, to the scrimmages, the coaches will be open and honest with the players if they are doing good or bad.

The idea of having an emergency “quarantine quarterback” waiting in the wings isn’t something they plan on doing, but they will be smart about how much contact the third QB has with his teammates.

Pace mentioned that a decision on the starting quarterback will be collaboratively made. I’m not sure how much input Pace will have into the decision, but the fact that he’ll be involved at all is odd to me.

Nagy said “competition is huge in this training camp,” and he specifically mentioned corner, safety and right guard as a few positions he’s intrigued by.

He also said that camp will be as physical as they be, “We’re going to freaking get after it in this training camp,” but they’ll also be smart about keeping guys healthy.

Pace said he liked what he saw from running back David Montgomery last year and that he’s comfortable with the group of backs they currently have on the roster.

He’s also intrigued by his tight end group and expects a lot of competition at the bottom of the depth chart. He’s pleased with the guys they have now which is why Adam Shaheen was traded and Ben Braunecker was cut.

Pace also mentioned the injury that caused them to release Tre Roberson was a broken foot he suffered working out.

When it comes to the offensive line, Nagy said he has “ultimate trust” in how o-line coach Juan Castillo builds his unit.

The team plans to be at the 80-man roster limit by this Sunday.

Be sure to check out the presser above and let us know what you thought.