Bears HC explains decision to allow safety to miss seven training camp practices

Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens will miss a significant part of training camp as the Bears prepare for a season in which they'll look to take a notable step forward.

It was reported in early July that the Bears would let the safety take time off to watch his wife, four-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, compete at the Summer Games in Paris. Head coach Matt Eberflus told reporters on Monday why he was allowing the absence.

"Just because we respect the Olympics," Eberflus said, per ESPN's Courtney Cronin . "That is a big deal, and he’s just supporting the one he loves the most. And I think that’s so cool that he gets to do that. We welcome that, and it’s going to be awesome. Go USA."

Owens will miss training camp sessions from July 29-Aug. 3.

The legendary American gymnastics star opens competition with the rest of her teammates at the qualifying event on Sunday. Biles will take part in four events: the all-around, vault, uneven bars and balance beam.

The team final is scheduled for July 30 and the women's all-around final is slated for Aug. 1, the same day when Chicago will play in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.

Biles and Owens have been an item since 2020 and married in 2023, but the latter has never seen his spouse compete internationally.

Biles earned an American-record four gold medals at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and one bronze as well. She added a silver and a bronze at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo (the Games were pushed to 2021 due to the pandemic). Family and friends weren't allowed to attend the Tokyo Olympics, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Biles won four golds and a silver at the 2023 World Championships in Antwerp, but that competition took place from Sept. 30-Oct. 8, when Owens was busy playing with the Green Bay Packers.

The 29-year-old defensive back signed with the Bears in March and is fighting for a backup role behind starters Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker.