The wait is over and the NFL is officially here. Bears fans are fortunate enough to be the first to get a look at their team in the preseason as Chicago gets ready for the Hall of Fame Game against the Houston Texans on Thursday night.

Unfortunately, however, fans will have to wait a little longer to see their star rookie Caleb Williams and the starters in action. As frustrating as this is, it provides an opportunity for the rest of the team to make their case to be included in the 53-man roster and the regular-season rotation.

One of the players who will draw the most attention on Thursday is rookie defender Austin Booker. The fifth-round pick out of Kansas has impressed so far in training camp and is making an argument to be the starter opposite Montez Sweat.

The Chicago Bears want Booker to show what he is capable of against the Texans. Defensive coordinator Eric Washington stated on Wednesday that he wants to see the 21-year-old hit the quarterback.

Bears Want Austin Booker to Show Up in Hall of Fame Game

When Booker came out of college, the Bears were enamored with his high-pressure rate that ranked second in the Big 12. He recorded eight sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and forced two fumbles in 12 games in 2023.

Chicago wants to see more of that in his first game as a Bear. If he can get a sack or two on Thursday night, Booker will cement his status as a favorite to be the starter in Week 1.

Booker will compete with DeMarcus Walker, Dominique Robinson, and Jacob Martin to be the other starter next to Sweat. If Booker continues to impress in the rest of the preseason, he will have a chance to help the Bears’ defense maintain the new heights it reached in the second half of last season.