The latest series of HBO's smash documentary series 'Hard Knocks' is underway with a focus on the Chicago Bears.
With this episode featuring the team's final preseason game, the battle for a place on the 53-man roster took centre stage.
DAZN takes a look at the key moments from the second episode of the latest 'Hard Knocks' series.
Silver lining for Ian Wheeler
Rookie running back Ian Wheeler appeared to be on the brink of securing a place on the Bears roster after amassing 50 yards in 12 carries and scoring two touchdowns.
However, his dream of landing a place on the roster was brought to an abrupt end after he tore his ACL in the team's final preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
While Wheeler may not feature this upcoming season, there was a silver lining when general manager Ryan Poles told Wheeler that he will remain with the team despite being on injured reserve.
Adrian Colbert's inspiring comeback
Adrian Colbert is a player who has been on the road for most of his career playing for 10 teams during his eight years as an NFL safety.
While he was released from the Bears in this episode, his story about how he has come back from a serious accident at the age of nine will give hope to anyone who may suffer a major setback while pursuing their dreams.
Speaking during this latest episode, Colbert discussed how the injury left him very scared.
“I almost lost my life that day,” Colbert said. “… The doctor told me I would never play football again. I didn’t understand. I didn’t know. I was so scared.”
Since the injury, Colbert has reconnected with his surroundings which he believes gives him the energy to compete at the highest level.
"You have to ground yourself,” Colbert explained.
“You have to reconnect with nature. That’s where you get the energy from.
"I go outside and I’m grateful for the leaves, I’m grateful for the trees, I’m grateful for every blade of grass.
“I’m grateful to be alive. I’m grateful for this experience to be in the NFL, to be among the people that I get to meet every day.”
Austin Reed provides memorable quote
Quarterback Austin Reed is another player who failed to make the 53-man roster, but he ended his time with a positive summary for the Bears.
"We talk about legendary teams, we talk about the Patriots, we talk about the Legion of Boom [Seahawks], we talk about the '85 Bears, they're going to talk about the '24 preseason Bears for the rest of our lives!"
The Bears went undefeated in the preseason for the first time since 1994 providing some much needed optimism for fans, but now the team will have to translate this success to the regular season where it really matters.
How to watch Hard Knocks 2024 on DAZN
This series of Hard Knocks is available via NFL Game Pass on DAZN, click here for more information (excluding US, Canada and China.
The full release schedule for this year's series can be found below.
- Episode one: Thursday, August 8
- Episode two: Thursday, August 15
- Episode three: Thursday, August 22
- Episode four: Thursday, August 29
- Episode five: Thursday, September 5
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