Chicago Bears Training Camp Review: Monday

The Bears have something coming up this week that they, most certainly, aren’t going to be looking forward to. 

What is it?... The heat! 

The temperatures are supposed to be in the 90’s this week with heat indices moving into the low 100’s.  The Bears will need to stay well hydrated in order to practice effectively and keep all of their players healthy.

Health Beat

Speaking of health, the Bears have some players returning to the field (like Chris Harris), but, at the same time, have lost others that are nursing various injuries. Wide receiver Devin Hester hasn’t practiced for several days now as he nurses a groin injury. It’s critical that he get back on the field as soon as possible and keep developing a rhythm and camaraderie with the offense.

Cornerback Zack Bowman went out with a knee injury in Sunday’s practice and is day-to-day. Linebacker/safety Brian Iwuh had hurt his knee last week and is now starting to do some running and light work on the side.  

Comings and Goings

The Bears have brought in former Pittsburgh Panther defensive tackle Mick Williams.  Williams was an undrafted free agent who was signed by the New York Jets.  To make room for Williams, the Bears released defensive tackle Averell Spicer.

Second String Showing

Jay Cutler took Monday off from training camp and gave way to backup quarterback Caleb Hanie. Hanie got the reps with the first-team offense on Monday and he looked very good making plays with the starters. He exhibited a strong arm, good touch on his passes and knowledge of the offense. Very impressive for someone that doesn’t see a lot of time with the first unit.  

Camp Observations

Something has happened to Earl Bennett regarding his status on the team. When the Bears released their depth chart yesterday, Bennett was listed as a third string wide receiver making some wonder why he’s being listed so low. Rashied Davis has stepped up in his place and has looked good at times. This will be an interesting battle to watch in training camp as Bennett’s status with the team is starting to be in doubt.

Speaking of wide receivers, the Bears have a good one in Greg Matthews who has been quietly having a good training camp. He might end up being a candidate for the practice squad when it’s all said and done.

Major Wright is back and looking much healthier. He did drop an interception, however, but is still learning things quickly now that he’s free of injury.

The battle between Nick Roach and Pisa Tinoisamoa is starting to heat up and right now it’s pretty tough to say who might win out in this one. After several practices, Tinoisamoa has been looking pretty sharp but Roach really knows the defense and may have the edge. Right now, this one is too close to call.