The 2024 NFL preseason kicked off with the Hall of Fame Game between the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans. Despite the absence of key players like quarterbacks C.J. Stroud and Caleb Williams, the second-stringers and prospects showcased their skills in the Bears’ 21-17 victory. The game was called early due to thunderstorms.
Texans’ Stroud, the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Bears’ Williams were key figures for their teams’ hopes of success in the upcoming season. Quarterback Brett Rypien led the Bears to victory with three touchdown passes.
Both teams had a significant presence of players from Alabama schools on their rosters, with notable performances from Byron Cowart and John Metchie III. The game also saw the debut of the NFL’s new kickoff rules, with seven kickoffs returned for an average of 22.7 yards.
The Bears will face the Buffalo Bills on August 10, while the Texans will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 9. The games will be televised on NFL Network.
For more NFL coverage, visit AL.com’s NFL page. Mark Inabinett, a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group, can be followed on Twitter at @AMarkG1.
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