Alex Shapiro is the Bears beat writer for NBC Sports Chicago and co-host of the Under Center Podcast. He also pitches in covering the White Sox, Cubs, Bulls and Blackhawks. A Northbrook, IL, native, Shapiro started his career at KVAL-TV in Eugene, OR, producing the local news. He continued his West Coast tour in Los Angeles with Fox Sports 1. Shapiro moved back home in 2015 to join NBC Sports Chicago.
The Latest
-
Rome Odunze shares how he saw his insane first catch unfold
CHICAGO – There are welcome to the NFL moments, and then there are welcome to the NFL moments. Rome Odunze‘s moment was one of the crazier moments you’ll see, and his first catch as a Chicago Bear will be something he’ll never forget. “I make a great play and instantly get blasted and lose the football,” Odunze said. “That’s...
-
Bears' stellar D gives offense some runway to improve, but they feel pressure to play well now
CHICAGO – In the early stages of the offseason, when rookie quarterback Caleb Williams was still simply learning how to call an NFL play in an NFL huddle, the talk was that the talented Bears defense might have to carry the revamped Bears offense for a few weeks. Turns out that was an understatement. From start to finish in the…
-
Bears make surprising decision with WR lineup before Week 1 game vs. Titans
The Bears made a surprising move with their first gameday roster of the year. Second-year wide receiver Tyler Scott was rendered inactive on Sunday, meaning Velus Jones Jr. and DeAndre Carter will be the only wide receivers available behind Keenan Allen, DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. Scott was presumed to be the No. 4 wide receiver on the team coming…
-
Report: Justin Fields to start for Steelers in Week 1
Justin Fields is reportedly in line to start for the Steelers when they take on the Falcons in Week 1. According to Mike Garafolo, Fields will lead Pittsburgh’s offense on Sunday. Fields entered training camp as the backup behind Russell Wilson, but impressed folks in Pittsburgh with his high-upside playmaking ability. Regardless, the plan was for Wilson to start the…
-
Kevin Byard shares emotions leading up to playing Titans, his former team in Week 1
LAKE FOREST, Ill. – New Bears safety Kevin Byard has a lot of hands to shake this Sunday. He’ll need a few extra jerseys ready to swap with friends, too. That’s because he’ll lineup against his friends and former teammates when the Titans visit Soldier Field to kickoff the regular season. “I’d be lying if I didn’t say this...
-
Bears announce who will be their punt returner and kick returner to start 2024 regular season
LAKE FOREST, Ill. – The Bears answered the final question about their Week 1 starting lineup on Thursday. According to special teams coordinator Richard Hightower, it will be Velus Jones Jr. who begins the year as the team’s kick returner while DeAndre Carter handles punt return duties. At the time of publication, each player was listed as a first-teamer at…
-
Bears once again embark on regular season with a new plan, but this year things feel different
LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Things are different around Halas Hall, which in a way is more of the same. The story surrounding the Bears in Week 1 is usually a story of change. New quarterback or new coach. New system or new scheme. It’s like that for many NFL teams who are chasing the perennial playoff contenders– those teams who…
-
Why starting fast has become major focus for Bears as Week 1 approaches
LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Expectations for the Bears this season are the highest they’ve been since 2019 when the team was coming off a 12-4 season, a division title and a playoff appearance. There’s talk that the defense could be one of the best in the NFL. There are more talented playmakers on offense since, ever? And potentially, hopefully, maybe,…
-
Bears players, coaches share why they love what Velus Jones Jr. brings as flexible offensive playmaker
LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Velus Jones Jr. stuck with the Bears as they formed their initial 53-man roster this year. For now, it appears he’s going to get an opportunity to impact the game however he can, whether that’s special teams, at wide receiver or running back. When going through roster projections, Jones Jr.’s status was one of the...
-
Bears solve long snapper mystery at Thursday's practice
LAKE FOREST, Ill. – The Bears found their long snapper. On Thursday the team signed Scott Daly to the practice squad. Daly will be elevated to the active roster once it’s time to play the Titans in Week 1. “We like him a lot,” said special teams coordinator Richard Hightower. “Played against him a ton. Veteran. Snaps a really good…
