Preseason highlighted by next chapter of Niners vs. Bears

The San Francisco 49ers and Bears will have the opportunity to add another chapter to the bad blood created by Briggsgate when they meet in a nationally televised preseason game Aug. 21 at Soldier Field (7 p.m., Fox). It will be the third and most important game of the preseason, meaning starters should play into the second half of the game.

The Niners were stripped of their fifth-round draft pick and ordered to swap positions with the Bears in the third round (improving the Bears positioning by five spots from 75th overall to 70th) after commissioner Roger Goodell ruled they tampered with Lance Briggs when he was under contract to the Bears last season. The Bears formally brought accusations against San Francisco, inciting the 49ers. The teams have met in the preseason in three of the last four seasons.

Exact dates and times of the other three preseason games will be announced soon. The Bears will open the exhibition season with a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Soldier Field between Aug. 7-11. Next, they will travel to Seattle for a game between Aug. 14-18. The preseason will conclude at Cleveland on Aug. 28 or 29 in advance of the Sept. 7 regular-season opener at Indianapolis.

Date Opponent Location Time

Aug. 7-11 Kansas City Soldier Field TBA

Aug. 14-18 Seattle Qwest Field TBA

Aug. 21 San Francisco Soldier Field 7 p.m.

Aug. 28-29 Cleveland Cleveland Browns Stadium TBA