CHGO Digest: Bears' improving health, Cubs' fading shot

Good morning, friends!

Cable 1, Streaming 0.

I picked the wrong week to be away from my cable box equipped with HBO. I wasn’t even sure if Max would work away from home, and the service’s error didn’t help as a 75-minute delay to the streaming release of Hard Knocks sent Bears fans into a frenzy.

And while some Bragged about their ability to watch while it aired on normal television, most of us were just stuck in time wondering when the torture would end.

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— Patrick Norton

Bears getting healthier ahead of joint practice

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor told media earlier in the week that he doesn’t expect his starters to see any game action on Saturday at Soldier Field. Instead, the reps the team takes against the Bears on Thursday at Halas Hall should suffice.

Matt Eberflus held his starters out of the preseason game in 2023 after two practices with the Indianapolis Colts last season but has not publicized his decision for this weekend.

But it’s been a better week for the Bears in training camp since dismantling the Bills, 33-6, in Orchard Park last Saturday.

• Nate Davis was in full pads on Wednesday, returning to practice the day before for the first time since reaggravating a muscle strain last week. With Davis back in the fold and Ryan Bates sidelined since the end of last week, the offensive line in front of Caleb Williams heading into today is left tackle Braxton Jones, left guard Teven Jenkins, center Coleman Shelton, right guard Nate Davis, and right tackle Darnell Wright.
  
• Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson, and Montez Sweat were spotted in full pads on Wednesday. Gordon joined the starters for walk-throughs in Tuesday’s non-padded practice after missing several weeks with what was originally described as “tightness”. Gordon, Stevenson, and Sweat participated in 11-on-11 drills.
  
• Among those not in pads on Wednesday were Ryan Bates, Jacob Martin, Adrian Colbert, Collin Johnson, Jaquan Brisker, and DeAndre Carter. Brett Rypien was also not present during the open portion.
  

🔎 GO DEEPER | Nicholas Moreano on Braxton Jones entering year three, and Dominique Robinson fighting for a 53-man roster spot ahead of the season.

Tee off at the CHGO Kickoff!

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Cubs swept heading into crucial stretch

When I mentioned on Monday that the Cubs had 12 games of 43 remaining against opponents above .500, the idea wasn’t to immediately get swept in 3 of those 12 games.

Alas, the Cubs, who found themselves within three games of the third and final NL Wild Card spot on Sunday, now sit six games behind the Atlanta Braves for the last spot.

• 670 The Score’s Matt Spiegel reported on Tuesday that the Cubs plan to move Seiya Suzuki to a DH role on a more permanent basis. Suzuki’s defense has been a contentious talking point among Cubs fans since the outfielder misplayed a ball in right field during the team’s critical collapse last September. According to FanGraphs, Suzuki is worth -4 outs above average this season.
  
• The idea rests on Cody Bellinger’s ability to return to the field and effectively take over in right. Bellinger returned from the 15-day IL on July 30 but has been slotted into the lineup at DH while his finger fracture continues to heal. Once he’s capable of playing in the field without pain, he’ll move to right, allowing Pete Crow-Armstrong to remain in centerfield.
  
• Spiegel’s reporting also included that the Cubs could opt to bring up Owen Caissie on September 1 when rosters expand to 28. Caissie, a left-handed slugger acquired in the blockbuster trade that sent Yu Darvish to the Padres in December 2020, is baseball’s No. 36 prospect (No. 3 for the Cubs) according to MLB.com’s Top 100.
  

🔎 GO DEEPER | Ryan Herrera on Pete Crow-Armstrong’s defense and growing offense earning him trust from manager Craig Counsell.

Roundup: Ben Brown shut down, The Eighty Five premieres

• Cubs right-hander Ben Brown was shut down by the club after he failed to show progress in his rehab. Brown was placed on the 15-day IL in June after suffering a stress reaction in his neck. The 24-year-old was transferred to the 60-day IL on July 26. While Craig Counsell would not declare his season over, Brown will not be throwing for the time being.
  
• Episode No. 1 of The Eighty Five with Cole Kmet is LIVE! Join Cole Kmet with Adam Hoge throughout the season to break down games and give behind-the-scenes access you won’t find anywhere else. Tuesday’s guest: DJ Moore! DJ and Cole talked the receiver’s new deal and Caleb Williams’ preseason debut! Watch on YouTube, and listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you get podcasts!
  

Thanks for coming out!

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⛳ 8/23: Kickoff Classic Golf Tournament at Cog Hill!
⚽ 8/31: CHGO Fire Takeover vs. Inter Miami — Jason Derulo post-match concert!
⚾ 9/6: CHGO Cubs Takeover for Anthony Rizzo’s return to Wrigley!
🏈 9/8: CHGO Bears Tailgate in Chicago! – Week 1 vs. Titans

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