Bears rookie wide receiver scores 97-yard touchdown in NFL preseason debut

Chicago Bears third-round pick Zavion Thomas made a sizeable impact in his preseason debut.

The former Mississippi State and LSU wide receiver started off strong against the Tennessee Titans on Saturday. Tennessee punted the ball away after their first drive, forcing Chicago to start from their own 3-yard line.

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Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent found Thomas putting a double move on his defender and getting himself wide open. Bagent made the throw and Thomas brought the ball to the end zone for a 97-yard touchdown to begin the game.

“I think that was Zavion Thomas’ very first play in the NFL, so greatest start in NFL history,” Bagent said after the game, via the team’s website.

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Chicago Bears wide receiver Zavion Thomas (81) makes a catch against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., on Aug. 29, 2026. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Thomas finished with five catches for 140 yards and a touchdown, marking an incredible preseason debut. He also had 22 yards gained on kickoffs and 39 yards gained on punt returns.

“It felt amazing,” he said. “Just the preparation (I) put into it, it’s something I expected. I appreciate my teammates and also thank God for the opportunity.”

The first-year player is projected to be No. 2 on the Bears’ wide receiver depth chart behind Kalif Raymond. Chicago also has Luther Burden III and Rome Odunze as targets for Caleb Williams.

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Zavion Thomas during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)

If Thomas can keep making plays like the one he did against the Titans, Williams will have another solid target at his disposal.