4 Things for Bears Fans to Watch in Preseason Week 2 Game vs Bengals

The Chicago Bears are set to face the Cincinnati Bengals in their preseason Week 2 game tonight, but the Bengals have already announced that their starters won't play, which means the Bears are likely to follow suit. While disappointing for the fans, it's probably the right decision. Both teams got plenty of good work in this week during the Bears and Bengals joint practice session on Thursday.

Even with the starters on the sidelines, the Bears still have plenty of depth players and storylines that will be worth watching. Here are four in particular for Bears fans to pay attention to once the game kicks off.

1. Kaden Davis' fight for a roster spot

One of the biggest breakout stars in Chicago's training camp this year has been wide receiver Kaden Davis. After bouncing around multiple teams in both the NFL and UFL since going undrafted in 2022, Davis landed in Chicago this year and has quietly had a terrific camp. He even earned praise from quarterback Caleb Williams for the work he's put in.

Davis already stood out in the Bears' preseason Week 1 win last Saturday with four catches for 88 yards. If he can put up a similar performance tonight, it's going to be very hard to cut him from the 53-man roster.

2. Offensive playcalling in the second half

Ben Johnson and Todd Monke — Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson and Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Last week, we learned that Ben Johnson is already planting his own coaching tree this preseason. Johnson turned over playcalling to wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El, giving him some vital in-game experience that could help him in future job interviews. "I think he's got a chance to be an offensive coordinator in this league," Johnson said. "I think he's got a chance to be a head coach in this league."

Johnson went on to say that he may hand over playcalling duties again in the Bears' final two preseason games. And now that Bears fans know this, they can challenge themselves to pay attention to the playcalling trends in the second half and try to identify whether Johnson has indeed handed the call sheet to an assistant coach.

3. Defensive line depth

Chicago Bears DE Jamree Kromah sacks quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It's no secret that the Bears' defensive line remains a major question mark going into 2026. The lack of proven playmakers here is why Ryan Poles needs his big gamble on the secondary to pay off. But one encouraging development so far has been the emergence of Jamree Kromah. In last week's preseason game, Kromah dominated Cleveland's offensive line to the tune of six total tackles, two sacks, three tackles for loss, and two quarterback hits.

To be clear, no one's projecting Kromah to suddenly become a superstar pass rusher. However, if he's developed into a merely competent rotational piece, he could have an outsized impact on Chicago's defensive performance this year.

4. Miller Moss

Undrafted rookie Miller Moss had a brief and shaky preseason debut last week, but he should get an extended look tonight against the Bengals with Williams likely sitting out and Tyson Bagent dealing with an injury, which was first reported by Mark Carman of CHGO Bears. While the QB2 and QB3 jobs remain firmly in the hands of Bagent and Case Keenum, respectively, Moss remains an intriguing player in his own right.

If Moss can showcase some growth against Cincinnati, he could make a case for himself to be retained on the practice squad where he can continue to develop while learning from Williams and Ben Johnson.

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