These Bears Have the Most to Lose at Joint Practices in Denver

The joint practices between the Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos have begun. They will continue leading up to the preseason matchup between the two teams on Saturday. The idea behind this venture is giving both rosters a chance to practices against different players and schemes. It's a good way to sharpen the skills ahead of the real game action come September. While these may be just practices, there is definitely a hidden importance in them. Not only do they offer a chance for the Bears to get a deeper look at the Broncos roster. It also could help to expose flaws on their own team. Not to mention helping to decide the course of several position battles that remain in progress. There are plenty of names with a lot to gain in the next few days, but also a short list of those who can't afford any sort of setback. Here are names to watch out for. Names that could see their positions both as starters and on the roster itself be put in jeopardy.

Bobby Massie (OT)

Of all the starting offensive linemen for Chicago, no man is in greater danger of losing his job than Bobby Massie. He's in the last year of his current contract, is approaching age 30 and was a weak link for them last year. Now they have a young buck in Rashaad Coward making waves in the preseason. Throw in the fact that Massie will have to go against Von Miller and Bradley Chubb in these practices? There's a strong chance he could come out looking rough this week. Matt Nagy runs his offense through the quarterback, so he's going to identify weak links in pass protection quickly. Massie's future in Chicago could be determined by something as simple as this.

Nick Kwiatkoski (ILB)

It looked like he was in the clear. The inside linebacker had delivered a strong training camp and then looked solid in his preseason work to this point. All things hinted at him starting opposite Danny Trevathan on opening night. Then it all changed when Roquan Smith, the Bears' first round pick finally ended his contract holdout. Suddenly there are still three games left in the preseason and the weeks of practices that go with them. Though the rookie is starting way behind in the race, most agree he's more talented than Kwiatkoski. This means even the slightest slipup could open the door for him to steal the starting job. That's why these coming practices are so vital.

Adrian Amos (S)

His strong 2017 saved his career but Adrian Amos has no reason to relax. The original criticisms of him are still valid. He doesn't force a lot of turnovers. No matter what Pro Football Focus says, the fact is Amos is a solid player but not exactly a good one. That's why nobody should consider his job secure opposite Eddie Jackson.

Especially when fellow young bucks are starting to pronounce themselves. Both DeAndre Houston-Carson and Deiondre Hall have begun to show signs of significant progress in the past few weeks, making more plays in both practice and game action. If this continues in Denver while Amos remains his usual self, Bears coaches might consider opening up the competition further.