Bears Rookies: Who's Fighting for Chicago and Who's Letting the City Down?
Chicago Bears fans know a thing or two about heartbreak, and this 2026 season is already testing our patience. After a wild 59-37 shootout win in Week 1, the Bears fell flat in a 9-3 snoozefest against the Minnesota Vikings. But here at Zed Nation, we don't just follow the game, we follow the fight. And some of these rookies are showing real Zambian lion heart, while others are looking like they'd rather be anywhere else.
Dillon Thieneman: A True Warrior
This safety is the real deal. Without him, the Bears would have been blown out twice already. He's all over the field, stopping runs and locking down coverage. He hasn't grabbed an interception yet, but it's coming. This kid is a future star, plain and simple.
Logan Jones: Waiting in the Wings
Center Garrett Bradbury had a nightmare game against the Vikings, with four penalties and zero push. That opens the door for rookie Logan Jones. He didn't get his chance this week, but if Bradbury keeps playing like that, Jones will be in there soon enough. He can't be any worse.
Sam Roush: A National Disgrace
This tight end is the goat of the Week 2 loss. Two dropped passes, including a potential touchdown, and a costly penalty. In just 20 snaps, he managed to be the worst performer on the field. We said it before and we'll say it again: the Bears should have drafted Gracen Halton. Roush needs to sit on the bench and learn what it means to earn a paycheck.
Zavion Thomas: Show Us Something
Thomas lit it up in the preseason, but he's invisible when it counts. Zero offensive snaps in Week 1, and just three in Week 2. With Kalif Raymond becoming the go-to guy, Thomas has a long road ahead. He's got potential, but potential doesn't win games.
Malik Muhammad II: Buy the Stock Now
This fourth-round pick is a star in the making. He got a sack against the Vikings and is playing like a seasoned pro. He's already one of the best defensive backs on the team. Forget the hype, this kid is the real deal.
Keyshaun Elliott: Where Are You?
Elliott is still waiting for his first defensive snap. He's only seen special teams action, and with the Bears' linebackers struggling, he might get a chance. But right now, he's a ghost.
Jordan van den Berg: Time to Step Up
The preseason hype is fading fast. Van den Berg has just one tackle and no pressure on the quarterback. He's not making an impact, and the coaching staff might be losing patience. He needs to show us something, and fast.
FAQ
Who is the best Bears rookie so far?
Dillon Thieneman is clearly the standout, making plays all over the field and proving he belongs in the NFL.
Will Sam Roush be benched?
After his terrible performance, it's likely. The coaching staff needs to put the best players on the field, and Roush isn't one of them right now.
Can Malik Muhammad II become a starter?
Yes, he's already playing at a high level and should be a permanent fixture in the secondary.