BEARS AT BRONCOS
Kickoff: 7 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Broncos Stadium at Mile High.
TV: KTVD-20.
Radio: 850 AM, 94.2 FM and 103.5 FM
Five Broncos to watch
1. Royce Freeman
Freeman scored the Broncos’ first touchdown (23-yard run) last week against Minnesota. Saturday is another chance for him to show he is ready to receive the majority of the carries in Week 1. A key will be holding up against blitzing linebackers and showing the ability to catch out of the backfield.
2. Chad Kelly
Elevated to second-string quarterback Monday, Kelly’s goal should be three-fold: Play turnover free after throwing an interception last week, continue to extend plays before throwing and show management and the coaching staff he can be the second-team quarterback come September.
3. Brandon Marshall
He missed a tackle on a 20-yard carry by the Vikings’ Latavius Murray and then couldn’t get off a block on Murray’s 21-yard gain the next play. The lighter Marshall remains confident he can still play physical against the run. But he merits watching.
4. Zach Kerr/Shelby Harris
The backup defensive linemen combined for seven tackles last week and were particularly impressive against the run. Their tape suggests giving them a chance in the first-team rotation to see if they can play as well against starters.
5. Jeff Heuerman
A knee injury shelved him from July 30-Aug. 12, but he had a solid week of practice in his return, suggesting that he — and not Jake Butt — is trending toward the starting tight end assignment in Week 1. He just needs to stay healthy.
About the Bears
Last year: 5-11 (last in NFC North)
Coach: Matt Nagy (first year).
Additions: WR Allen Robinson (Jacksonville), TE Trey Burton (Philadelphia), QB Chase Daniel (New Orleans), WR Taylor Gabriel (Atlanta) and LB Roquan Smith (first-round pick)
Departures: G Josh Sitton (Miami), QB Mike Glennon (Arizona) and WR Kendall Wright (Minnesota).
Outlook: A longtime assistant to Andy Reid in Philadelphia and Kansas City, Nagy was the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator from 2016-17, but called the plays for only the final five regular-season games last year. … Nagy retained defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, whose group finished ninth in scoring (20 points per game) last year. … QB Mitch Trubisky, the second overall pick in 2017, was 4-8 as a rookie with seven touchdowns and interceptions apiece.
