Practice number three is in the books for the Bears, as they moved into shoulder pads today. They'll don shoulder pads again tomorrow before putting on full pads for the Friday and Saturday practices. Since there were some pads today, it was a more physical practice. Coach Sonny Dykes noted the intensity of a screen drill between receivers and defensive backs as setting the tone for the day.

Some post-practice notes:

-Noah Westerfield went off with a sprained ankle at one point. Sonny said that he'll get it looked at, MRI'd, and X-ray'd, but it probably isn't serious

- Kanawai Noa, Hamilton Anoa'i and Jaylinn Hawkins are still out as they recover from knee injuries. Noa did run routes in prepractice, just seemed to be in a no-contact role as he recovers more

- Trey Turner was also held out of practice for health reasons. Nothing to worry about, Sonny said they'll give guys days off to keep them healthy as needed

- Devante Downs and Ray Davison were essentially penciled in as the starters at the linebacker spots by Coach Kaufman. Downs singled out Aisea Tongilava, Jordan Kunaszyk, and Derron Brown as guys who will make an impact.

- When asked about the developing defensive linemen, Dykes mentioned Evan Weaver as someone with the kind of motor that could help him play right away. He also mentioned Chinedu Odeogu as someone with a lot of upside, mentioning his 84.5 inch wingspan.

Within the actual practice, it wasn't the offense over defense type of day that has become more of the norm. Defensive players stepped up more with the shoulder pads on. In 1 on 1's, Darius Allensworth had his 3rd interception in two days, playing an out route absolutely perfectly, and darting under for a pick. Traveon Beck redeemed himself with 3 PBUs. Khari Vanderbilt and Evan Rambo showed their ability to fill the alley during the screen drill, making a couple of resounding hits.

The line play was of more focus today, with some standouts. The defensive line produced more pressure, some coming from the inside with Luc Bequette making a big push during the team period. Cameron Saffle spun Jake Curhan around during 1 on 1s, and will see a bit more time if Westerfield is out for a couple of days. Devante Wilson and James Looney continued to show why they're starting on the line, with relatively consistent pressure.

That takes nothing away from the offensive line, who had a slow start, but a good day. The development of Patrick Mekari has been excellent, as he has some of the best footwork on the team in pass protection. He's been playing left tackle, but with his technique he could play anywhere. The line as a whole is much improved according to Tre Watson, who hit a hole for a 41 yard run in the team period, which was quickly followed by an 80 yard touchdown run from Vic "Spearmint Rhino" Enwere. Both backs are showing improved speed, and the improved blocking should help the run game. Watson also claimed to run a 4.2 forty yard dash, and said he'll challenge the team to a race on Monday.

On the wideouts, Demetris Robertson continued his reign of terror on a few defensive backs, accelerating from a stutter step for a couple of long touchdown receptions in 1 on 1s. He is improving rapidly every day, and though he isn't among the first group of receivers at this moment, he could easily be starting at some point during the season. Other receivers standing out were Chad Hansen, who had an excellent play for a 60 yard TD pass from Davis Webb, Carlos Strickland, who pulled a ball right out of Antoine Albert's hands, and Ray Hudson, who has gotten faster since the spring.

As far as the quarterback situation goes, nothing has been decided. Dykes lauded Forrest and Bowers for their growth since the spring and Webb for his experience and poise. (Note: Webb has now been named the starter, find out more here). For what it's worth, Webb took more first team reps during the team period. Overall, it was an aggressive practice, with more to come as fully padded practice approaches.