Phil Thompson

Phil Thompson is the Bears beat reporter for the Tribune and has covered many of Chicago's teams throughout his career, including the Blackhawks for 6 years.

Bears tight end Cole Kmet warms up on the field before the Bears host the Patriots at Soldier Field on Oct. 22, 2026. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

How do the Chicago Bears move on without TE Cole Kmet? ‘I don’t see us really changing who we are.’

October 27, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Chicago Bears tight ends Colston Loveland and rookie Sam Roush likely will see their usage increase with Cole Kmet out with a season-ending knee injury.

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams yells in celebration after a 30-24 win over the Patriots on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, at Soldier Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

5 pressing questions after Chicago Bears’ Week 7 win, including where they stand in the NFC North

October 25, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Where do the Chicago Bears stand in the NFC North? How would you describe Kyler Gordon's return? Pressing questions after the team's Week 7 win.

Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III drops the ball in the end zone after a touchdown reception against the Patriots in the second quarter Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, at Soldier Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

‘I saw money’: Chicago Bears WR Luther Burden III makes New England Patriots pay with prime-time performance

October 23, 2026 at 1:03 a.m.

Luther Burden III racked up 130 yards and a touchdown on four receptions — all in the first half — in the Chicago Bears' 30-24 win against the New England...

Jacob Blazyk, 13, wears a Mike Ditka mustache and cheese grater hat as he yells toward players while they warm up on the field before the Bears host the Patriots on Oct. 22, 2026, at Soldier Field. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Bears and their fans celebrate Mike Ditka with giveaways and other tributes: ‘He was the guy’

October 22, 2026 at 7:09 p.m.

According to one secondary-market ticket retailer, a Mike Ditka-related giveaway sent prices soaring for Thursday night's Chicago Bears game.

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams eludes the tackle of Falcons defensive end Brandon Dorlus in the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams earns his 2nd NFC Offensive Player of the Week award

October 21, 2026 at 12:06 p.m.

Caleb Williams joins Jay Cutler as the only Chicago Bears quarterbacks with multiple NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye looks to pass during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Nov. 10, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

5 things to watch in Thursday’s Chicago Bears-New England Patriots matchup — plus our Week 7 predictions

October 21, 2026 at 3:26 p.m.

Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams and New England Patriots counterpart Drake Maye face each other for the second time in their careers Thursday at Soldier Field.

Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon causes Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to fumble the ball during the third quarter Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, in Atlanta. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Kyler Gordon’s ‘innate ability’ to rush the QB fits into Chicago Bears scheme: ‘A fun part of the game for me’

October 20, 2026 at 6:31 p.m.

You can bet Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will dial up more corner blitzes from Kyler Gordon in Thursday's game vs. the New England Patriots.

Bears wide receiver Jahdae Walker walks off the field after being ejected for unnecessary roughness during the fourth quarter against the Falcons on Oct. 18, 2026, in Atlanta. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Bears coaches refuse to chastise Jahdae Walker, who was ‘damn near in tears’ after blunders

October 20, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Chicago Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower addressed Jahdae Walker’s ejection while also praising several specialists who stepped up.

The Bears celebrate after cornerback Nick McCloud (26) recovered a fumble in the third quarter against the Falcons on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Jahdae Walker’s ejection mars otherwise big day for Chicago Bears special teams — but penalties pile up again

October 18, 2026 at 8:23 p.m.

Chicago Bears special teams came up with two key takeaways Sunday. But the Bears committed 12 penalties for 133 yards in the win against the Atlanta Falcons.

Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon celebrates after a big play in the second quarter against the Falcons on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

‘Right back where I left off’: Kyler Gordon stars in return to Chicago Bears with 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles

October 18, 2026 at 7:12 p.m.

Kyler Gordon's big game in his return helped juice up a Chicago Bears defense that took its share of lumps after the previous game.

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