Bears Rookie Zavion Thomas Announces Himself With 97-Yard TD in Preseason Win

The third-round pick delivered one of the standout performances of the preseason, finishing with five catches for 140 yards and a touchdown, while also contributing a 39-yard kick return and a 22-yard punt return.

But it was his remarkable 97-yard touchdown on Chicago's opening offensive play that stole the show.

Zavion Thomas Turns on the Jets

With the Bears backed up at their own 3-yard line, quarterback Tyson Bagent dropped into his end zone and looked toward Thomas, who was lined up wide to the right.

The pass was initially underthrown, forcing Thomas to adjust and come back toward the ball. Once he secured it, however, the rookie's elite acceleration took over.

Thomas burst down the sideline and left the Titans secondary trailing as he completed the 97-yard touchdown.

The play offered an immediate glimpse of the speed that made Thomas one of the most intriguing prospects in Chicago's 2026 draft class.

Thomas was reportedly the third-fastest player at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, and he made sure Tennessee's defenders got a firsthand look at that pace.

Asked afterward whether Titans safety Jerrick Reed II ever had a chance of catching him, Thomas responded confidently:

"Nah. He didn't have a chance," Thomas said with a grin.

The 97-Yard Touchdown Was Exactly Why Chicago Drafted Him

Bagent was equally impressed with what Thomas brought to the play, particularly the speed that allowed the rookie to turn a broken-looking situation into a huge touchdown.

"Safety came down, little mishap in the protection adjustment that we made, but being able to get the ball up gives Zavion a chance. Then you're able to see that speed after that, which is a big reason why he's here," Bagent said. "I would have been very surprised if he got tackled."

That explosiveness is precisely what Chicago will hope to incorporate into its offense as Thomas continues adapting to the NFL.

Zavion Thomas' Preseason Debut by the Numbers

The perfect five-for-five receiving line was particularly encouraging for a player making his first preseason appearance.

Tyson Bagent Makes His Own Statement

Thomas wasn't the only Bears player to strengthen his case on Saturday.

Bagent delivered an outstanding performance while competing for the backup quarterback position behind Caleb Williams.

The 26-year-old completed 16 of 17 passes for 208 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, while adding 21 rushing yards on two carries.

His only major blemish was a lost fumble.

Bagent entered the game with pressure to impress after veteran Case Keenum emerged as competition for the No. 2 quarterback role. His performance against Tennessee certainly gives the coaching staff more to consider before finalising the depth chart.

Across Chicago's two preseason appearances, Bagent completed 29 of 39 passes for 377 yards, recording three touchdowns against one interception while adding 28 rushing yards.

Chicago May Have Found a Dangerous Weapon

Thomas' debut provides the Bears with another intriguing offensive option heading into the regular season.

His ability to stretch defenses vertically, contribute in the return game and create explosive plays with the ball in his hands gives Chicago a versatile weapon to develop.

The 97-yard touchdown was more than just a spectacular preseason highlight. It was an early demonstration of why the Bears invested a third-round pick in the former Mississippi State and LSU standout.

If Thomas can translate that explosiveness into the regular season, Chicago may have added one of the most dangerous speed threats in its young offensive core.