Each training camp practice and each preseason game tells part of an NFL team’s summer story. The exhibition finale is rarely an interesting read.

Major players generally watch from the sideline in street clothes. Most roster spots are earned in events that came before, leaving few opinions to be swayed by this singular event.

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There are a few nuggets to mine from the last preseason game, where bubble players are fighting for spots on a 53-man roster or a practice squad in Chicago or elsewhere. There were a couple in Thursday’s exhibition, which the Bears won 34-21 over the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium:

Secondary has more playmakers than roster spots

Bears defensive backs have had quite a preseason. That crew has five interceptions in four games. Those guys have been cutting off routes and making acrobatic plays on the ball in practices and in games. They’ve also been blitzing like crazy, with efficiency that portends they’ll be an intimidating part of the pass rush.

So many individuals have had days in the sun. That includes names you know, like Kyler Gordon and Jaylon Johnson.

Reddy Steward, a name you may not recognize, had himself a Thursday night. He had two interceptions, including a pick six near the end of the first half. His big moment was set up by an excellent blitz by defensive back Adrian Colbert, who had an uber-athletic pass defensed on a deep ball earlier on.

Big plays have become a pattern for Bears defensive backs up and down the depth chart. They’ve received quality play from more DBs than they’ll be able to keep, even if 10 is the overall number on the 53-man between cornerbacks and safeties. Just because Steward — an undrafted free agent out of Troy — had a banner day doesn’t mean he’ll make the team, but it’s further proof that this group is deep, talented and confident in playing aggressive and effective football.

This is also a position group that will be tough for GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus to sift through to form the best possible squad, while keeping quality reserves on the practice squad.

Injuries stink

Injuries are always difficult to weather in NFL football, a physical game where players work most of their lives to make it in the pros. It’s especially tough in the preseason, as guys are trying to make a roster spot.

Having the need to cart three Bears off the field in the preseason finale is just brutal. That sentiment is especially strong after what played out when Douglas Coleman III was placed on a backboard and taken off the field by emergency medical professionals.

The nature and extent of Coleman’s injury was not known at the time of publication, but the injury was scary enough to prompt a scene like this:

In addition, offensive lineman Larry Borom and receiver Nsimba Webster were also carted off the field, according to reporters who were at the game. Their injuries weren’t known at press time. No matter what, it’s always tough to see players leave the field in such a way when trying to earn a dream job.

DeAndre Carter first at punt returner (and the state of that position)

DeAndre Carter would like his first punt return back. He got pushed back into a ball he had no intention of catching, but didn’t clear out of the way as someone with his experience should do.

He was, however, the first person with an opportunity to return punts. He returned the first kickoff. And he caught a pass on the initial drive. Does that mean he’s the primary punt returner and has a roster spot? It does not. His experience as a returner is an asset and a point to his credit.

Who returns punts could have an impact on making the 53-man roster. Dante Pettis can return punts, but he missed practice Wednesday and wasn’t involved on Thursday night. We saw Velus Jones and Greg Stroman involved in the punt return game as well, but Carter being the first option in a game like this, without an established roster lock as a return man, could mean Carter’s in good shape. Time will tell on that front.

Bagent inspiring confidence as Bears backup quarterback

Tyson Bagent started Thursday night’s preseason contest – Caleb Williams was ruled out, as were the rest of his fellow starters – but played just two series. The Bears didn’t need to see anymore. He capped a quality preseason with a series that included a deep-shot completion and a five-yard touchdown run to cap the game’s opening drive.

Bagent was 17-for-25 passing for 307 yards, two passing touchdown and a TD run this preseason, backing up claims that Bagent has improved significantly over the last year.

As former Falcons quarterback and MVP Matt Ryan said on Hard Knocks, Bagent is the type of quality player who can win some ball games as a backup filling in for an injured quarterback. That’s all you can ask for from a No. 2 – if he was better, he’d be a No. 1 somewhere – and Bagent proved (again) this summer that he’s capable of doing such a job.

Backup running back breakdown

D’Andre Swift (predictably) didn’t play on Thursday. Neither did Khalil Herbert or Roschon Johnson. Those three will be the Bears primary rushers this season. Travis Homer was the first running back to see action on Thursday night, which, when acknowledging his experience with offensive coordinator Shane Waldron in Chicago and Seattle, could offer a leg up.

Then Ian Wheeler was next up, but third option (on Thursday) Velus Jones flashed potential on a weaving 39-yard touchdown run in the second half. He ended up with more than 100 rushing yards on the day, though most of it came against lesser competition. His roster candidacy is a tricky one, considering his speed and versatility as a receiver, runner and returner. But there are flaws in his game. It will be interesting to see what happens with Jones next week.

Follow Bears Insider Scott Bair on X @ScottBairNFL.