Kevin Fishbain
@kfishbain.bsky.social
Senior writer at The Athletic covering the Chicago Bears.
Add a road game in Seattle to your Bears 2026 schedule. Sunday will determine which AFC South team comes to Soldier Field next season.
In the short-term, if the Bears meet the Seahawks in the playoffs, it’ll be the NFC championship in Seattle. The 49ers get the 6 seed if LA wins tomorrow.
In the short-term, if the Bears meet the Seahawks in the playoffs, it’ll be the NFC championship in Seattle. The 49ers get the 6 seed if LA wins tomorrow.
January 4, 2026 at 3:51 AM
Add a road game in Seattle to your Bears 2026 schedule. Sunday will determine which AFC South team comes to Soldier Field next season.
In the short-term, if the Bears meet the Seahawks in the playoffs, it’ll be the NFC championship in Seattle. The 49ers get the 6 seed if LA wins tomorrow.
In the short-term, if the Bears meet the Seahawks in the playoffs, it’ll be the NFC championship in Seattle. The 49ers get the 6 seed if LA wins tomorrow.
Reposted by Kevin Fishbain
NFC teams getting a close look at Seahawks-49ers
January 4, 2026 at 12:19 AM
NFC teams getting a close look at Seahawks-49ers
Reposted by Kevin Fishbain
the 49-year Falcons-Saints rivalry has all been leading to the moment Sunday when it decides an NFC South title that neither team can win
December 30, 2025 at 6:00 AM
the 49-year Falcons-Saints rivalry has all been leading to the moment Sunday when it decides an NFC South title that neither team can win
The Bears elevated TE Nikola Kalinic and LB Ty Summers from the practice squad.
January 3, 2026 at 9:02 PM
The Bears elevated TE Nikola Kalinic and LB Ty Summers from the practice squad.
In Big Ten Country, J.T. Barrett will always be known for his accomplishments at Ohio State.
But what’s he like as the Bears quarterbacks coach?
“J.T. is somewhat similar to Ben (Johnson) in that there’s a certain intensity to him.”
Story⤵️
But what’s he like as the Bears quarterbacks coach?
“J.T. is somewhat similar to Ben (Johnson) in that there’s a certain intensity to him.”
Story⤵️
How Bears quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett connects with Caleb Williams
Barrett might be better known for his accomplishments at Ohio State, but he's been integral to the Bears' QB success in 2025.
www.nytimes.com
January 3, 2026 at 4:02 PM
In Big Ten Country, J.T. Barrett will always be known for his accomplishments at Ohio State.
But what’s he like as the Bears quarterbacks coach?
“J.T. is somewhat similar to Ben (Johnson) in that there’s a certain intensity to him.”
Story⤵️
But what’s he like as the Bears quarterbacks coach?
“J.T. is somewhat similar to Ben (Johnson) in that there’s a certain intensity to him.”
Story⤵️
Bears WR Rome Odunze returned to practice today. He was limited.
Injury report...
Out: Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
Questionable: Rome Odunze, Nick McCloud, Jaquan Brisker (DNP; illness), Ozzy Trapilo
No injury designation for WR Luther Burden, Jonah Jackson or Olamide Zaccheaus.
Injury report...
Out: Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
Questionable: Rome Odunze, Nick McCloud, Jaquan Brisker (DNP; illness), Ozzy Trapilo
No injury designation for WR Luther Burden, Jonah Jackson or Olamide Zaccheaus.
January 2, 2026 at 7:23 PM
Bears WR Rome Odunze returned to practice today. He was limited.
Injury report...
Out: Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
Questionable: Rome Odunze, Nick McCloud, Jaquan Brisker (DNP; illness), Ozzy Trapilo
No injury designation for WR Luther Burden, Jonah Jackson or Olamide Zaccheaus.
Injury report...
Out: Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
Questionable: Rome Odunze, Nick McCloud, Jaquan Brisker (DNP; illness), Ozzy Trapilo
No injury designation for WR Luther Burden, Jonah Jackson or Olamide Zaccheaus.
Maybe I’ll pop on for a little Bears playoff preview…
Podcast friends:
We're less than a week out from The Athletic Football Show LIVE at Lincoln Hall in Chicago.
January 7th, doors at 6:30.
There are only a few tickets left, and we'd love to see you there.
Handing out some awards, Q&A, meet-and-greet. Gonna be a good time.
We're less than a week out from The Athletic Football Show LIVE at Lincoln Hall in Chicago.
January 7th, doors at 6:30.
There are only a few tickets left, and we'd love to see you there.
Handing out some awards, Q&A, meet-and-greet. Gonna be a good time.
January 2, 2026 at 4:03 PM
Maybe I’ll pop on for a little Bears playoff preview…
Bears Mailbag!
• Keys to a playoff run?
• Goal-to-go struggles?
• Run-pass ratio in SF?
• Anyone resting Sunday?
And more! Plus our picks for Week 18
• Keys to a playoff run?
• Goal-to-go struggles?
• Run-pass ratio in SF?
• Anyone resting Sunday?
And more! Plus our picks for Week 18
Keys to a Bears playoff run? Goal-to-go challenges? Mailbag plus Week 18 picks
Being able to sustain long drives and punish an opposing defense will be key for the Bears to make a run in the playoffs.
www.nytimes.com
January 2, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Bears Mailbag!
• Keys to a playoff run?
• Goal-to-go struggles?
• Run-pass ratio in SF?
• Anyone resting Sunday?
And more! Plus our picks for Week 18
• Keys to a playoff run?
• Goal-to-go struggles?
• Run-pass ratio in SF?
• Anyone resting Sunday?
And more! Plus our picks for Week 18
Reposted by Kevin Fishbain
Indiana having to go through Alabama to try to win a national championship felt important — and meaningful — for a program that’s flipping the sport on its head.
And what a statement it is that Indiana is beating Alabama like *this.*
And what a statement it is that Indiana is beating Alabama like *this.*
January 1, 2026 at 11:52 PM
Indiana having to go through Alabama to try to win a national championship felt important — and meaningful — for a program that’s flipping the sport on its head.
And what a statement it is that Indiana is beating Alabama like *this.*
And what a statement it is that Indiana is beating Alabama like *this.*
Bears injury report...
DNP: Jonah Jackson (illness), Rome Odunze (foot), Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (concussion)
Limited: Ozzy Trapilo, Nick McCloud
Full: Luther Burden, Olamide Zaccheaus, Josh Blackwell
DNP: Jonah Jackson (illness), Rome Odunze (foot), Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (concussion)
Limited: Ozzy Trapilo, Nick McCloud
Full: Luther Burden, Olamide Zaccheaus, Josh Blackwell
January 1, 2026 at 8:27 PM
Bears injury report...
DNP: Jonah Jackson (illness), Rome Odunze (foot), Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (concussion)
Limited: Ozzy Trapilo, Nick McCloud
Full: Luther Burden, Olamide Zaccheaus, Josh Blackwell
DNP: Jonah Jackson (illness), Rome Odunze (foot), Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (concussion)
Limited: Ozzy Trapilo, Nick McCloud
Full: Luther Burden, Olamide Zaccheaus, Josh Blackwell
Quirky fact: The Bears have not won a season finale at Soldier Field since 2007.
Now, they've only played four season finales at home from 2008-24, but lost all of them (2013, 2015, 2020, 2022).
In that 2007 win over the Saints, Devin Hester had a 55-yard TD catch and a 64-yard punt-return TD.
Now, they've only played four season finales at home from 2008-24, but lost all of them (2013, 2015, 2020, 2022).
In that 2007 win over the Saints, Devin Hester had a 55-yard TD catch and a 64-yard punt-return TD.
January 1, 2026 at 7:36 PM
Quirky fact: The Bears have not won a season finale at Soldier Field since 2007.
Now, they've only played four season finales at home from 2008-24, but lost all of them (2013, 2015, 2020, 2022).
In that 2007 win over the Saints, Devin Hester had a 55-yard TD catch and a 64-yard punt-return TD.
Now, they've only played four season finales at home from 2008-24, but lost all of them (2013, 2015, 2020, 2022).
In that 2007 win over the Saints, Devin Hester had a 55-yard TD catch and a 64-yard punt-return TD.
Podcast to get you set for the New Year’s Day CFP games — @danrubenstein.solidverbal.com and the @solidverbal.com origin story.
🍎 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
🟢 open.spotify.com/episode/1jwo...
📺 youtu.be/PXfszoWOmM0?...
🍎 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
🟢 open.spotify.com/episode/1jwo...
📺 youtu.be/PXfszoWOmM0?...
January 1, 2026 at 4:26 PM
Podcast to get you set for the New Year’s Day CFP games — @danrubenstein.solidverbal.com and the @solidverbal.com origin story.
🍎 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
🟢 open.spotify.com/episode/1jwo...
📺 youtu.be/PXfszoWOmM0?...
🍎 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
🟢 open.spotify.com/episode/1jwo...
📺 youtu.be/PXfszoWOmM0?...
Setting the stage for Week 18: what’s at stake when the Bears host the Lions, and why Ben Johnson is keeping the same approach
Why the Chicago Bears are treating Week 18 against the Lions like a playoff game
Ben Johnson is playing to win in Week 18, as the Bears look to lock up the No. 2 seed if they can beat the rival Lions.
www.nytimes.com
January 1, 2026 at 3:16 PM
Setting the stage for Week 18: what’s at stake when the Bears host the Lions, and why Ben Johnson is keeping the same approach
The Bears held a walkthrough today. Their estimated injury report had Rome Odunze and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka as DNP.
Luther Burden (quad) was listed as limited, along with Ozzy Trapilo (knee/quad).
Luther Burden (quad) was listed as limited, along with Ozzy Trapilo (knee/quad).
December 31, 2025 at 10:48 PM
The Bears held a walkthrough today. Their estimated injury report had Rome Odunze and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka as DNP.
Luther Burden (quad) was listed as limited, along with Ozzy Trapilo (knee/quad).
Luther Burden (quad) was listed as limited, along with Ozzy Trapilo (knee/quad).
The Bears placed LB Noah Sewell on IR with an Achilles injury.
They activated TE Nikola Kalinic from the practice squad IR and he's back on the practice squad.
They activated TE Nikola Kalinic from the practice squad IR and he's back on the practice squad.
December 31, 2025 at 9:01 PM
The Bears placed LB Noah Sewell on IR with an Achilles injury.
They activated TE Nikola Kalinic from the practice squad IR and he's back on the practice squad.
They activated TE Nikola Kalinic from the practice squad IR and he's back on the practice squad.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson called the possibility of Caleb Williams reaching 4,000 yards "tertiary" and that 4,000 is an "arbitrary number."
December 31, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Bears head coach Ben Johnson called the possibility of Caleb Williams reaching 4,000 yards "tertiary" and that 4,000 is an "arbitrary number."
"Breaking In with Kevin Fishbain" episode 39
Guest: @danrubenstein.solidverbal.com
As we get into the CFP quarterfinals, thought it was a great time to learn Dan's origin story, and how @solidverbal.com began
Guest: @danrubenstein.solidverbal.com
As we get into the CFP quarterfinals, thought it was a great time to learn Dan's origin story, and how @solidverbal.com began
Dan Rubenstein's Origin Story of The Solid Verbal Podcast
YouTube video by Breaking In With Kevin Fishbain
youtu.be
December 31, 2025 at 4:16 PM
"Breaking In with Kevin Fishbain" episode 39
Guest: @danrubenstein.solidverbal.com
As we get into the CFP quarterfinals, thought it was a great time to learn Dan's origin story, and how @solidverbal.com began
Guest: @danrubenstein.solidverbal.com
As we get into the CFP quarterfinals, thought it was a great time to learn Dan's origin story, and how @solidverbal.com began
On the final day of 2025, @danwiederer.bsky.social and I review Bears GM Ryan Poles’ year, and what’s ahead at each position
Ryan Poles’ 2025 report card: How the Bears GM helped change Chicago’s trajectory
The turnaround began with the hiring of Ben Johnson, but not even the most optimistic Bears fans could've envisioned such a quick ascent.
www.nytimes.com
December 31, 2025 at 3:17 PM
On the final day of 2025, @danwiederer.bsky.social and I review Bears GM Ryan Poles’ year, and what’s ahead at each position
Reposted by Kevin Fishbain
Went back to my high school basketball writing roots for a different type of story today.
It's been 20 years since Jon Scheyer scored 21 points in 75 seconds at the Proviso West Holiday Tournament.
This is the oral history of that: www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...
It's been 20 years since Jon Scheyer scored 21 points in 75 seconds at the Proviso West Holiday Tournament.
This is the oral history of that: www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...
Jon Scheyer’s 21 points in 75 seconds: Inside the 52-point game he’s still not over
In 2005, Scheyer seemingly had it all — except a Proviso West Holiday Tournament title. His pursuit of that trophy is the stuff of legend.
www.nytimes.com
December 30, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Went back to my high school basketball writing roots for a different type of story today.
It's been 20 years since Jon Scheyer scored 21 points in 75 seconds at the Proviso West Holiday Tournament.
This is the oral history of that: www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...
It's been 20 years since Jon Scheyer scored 21 points in 75 seconds at the Proviso West Holiday Tournament.
This is the oral history of that: www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...
On Sunday, Caleb Williams will be the third Bears quarterback to start every game in back-to-back seasons, joining Bob Avellini (1976-77) and Billy Wade (1962-63). And those were 14-game seasons.
December 30, 2025 at 3:14 PM
On Sunday, Caleb Williams will be the third Bears quarterback to start every game in back-to-back seasons, joining Bob Avellini (1976-77) and Billy Wade (1962-63). And those were 14-game seasons.
Is there a more fascinating figure in the NFL this season than Carlie Irsay-Gordon? @jourdanrodrigue.bsky.social brings you inside the Colts building to tell the story
All eyes are on the NFL’s most atypical owner. Where will her curiosity lead her next?
Carlie Irsay-Gordon is younger than her peers, with her own distinctive vision of how an NFL owner can lead. It is about to be tested.
www.nytimes.com
December 30, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Is there a more fascinating figure in the NFL this season than Carlie Irsay-Gordon? @jourdanrodrigue.bsky.social brings you inside the Colts building to tell the story
Bears head coach Ben Johnson: "We're playing to win this week."
December 29, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Bears head coach Ben Johnson: "We're playing to win this week."
Last night was the fifth time in franchise history the Bears scored 38+ points while allowing 0 sacks and throwing 0 interceptions. They're now 4-1 in those games (via @Stathead). All NFL teams are 81-4 since 2015 when putting up those numbers.
December 29, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Last night was the fifth time in franchise history the Bears scored 38+ points while allowing 0 sacks and throwing 0 interceptions. They're now 4-1 in those games (via @Stathead). All NFL teams are 81-4 since 2015 when putting up those numbers.
Last night was the fifth time in franchise history the Bears scored 38+ points while allowing 0 sacks and throwing 0 interceptions. They're now 1-4 in those games (via @Stathead). All NFL teams are 81-4 since 2015 when putting up those numbers.
December 29, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Last night was the fifth time in franchise history the Bears scored 38+ points while allowing 0 sacks and throwing 0 interceptions. They're now 1-4 in those games (via @Stathead). All NFL teams are 81-4 since 2015 when putting up those numbers.
“‘It’s frustrating,’ Williams said, his emotions still raw. These were the vibes of a magician whose grand finale didn’t work.”
Story on the final Bears plays by @danwiederer.bsky.social
Story on the final Bears plays by @danwiederer.bsky.social
How the Bears’ grand finale fizzled at the end of fireworks show with the 49ers
On a game-deciding play from the 2-yard line, the Bears were discombobulated from the start, leading to a cruel finish.
www.nytimes.com
December 29, 2025 at 4:50 PM
“‘It’s frustrating,’ Williams said, his emotions still raw. These were the vibes of a magician whose grand finale didn’t work.”
Story on the final Bears plays by @danwiederer.bsky.social
Story on the final Bears plays by @danwiederer.bsky.social