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It wasn’t long ago that attendance at “voluntary” offseason NFL practices was expected. Any absence was a red flag — often associated with a contract issue.
But the times, they are a-changin’.
Defensive end Montez Sweat, wide receiver Keenan Allen and cornerback Jaylon Johnson — three 2023 Pro Bowl players — were among six starters who did not attend the Bears’ OTA practice at Halas Hall.
The others were cornerback Kyler Gordon and safeties Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard — leaving rookie quarterback Caleb Williams to operate against a defense missing four of five backfield starters and the team’s top pass rusher.