Thread: Biggs: Observations from Bears' OTA

Biggs: Observations from Bears' OTA
By Brad Biggs, Tribune reporter

1:38 p.m. CDT, May 30, 2012
Gabe Carimi did not participate in practice Wednesday as the Chicago Bears held their fifth OTA of the spring and the second the media was permitted to view.

But there's no cause for concern. The right tackle returned to action -- as much as there is for linemen in shorts and without pads – on Tuesday for the first time since surgery to repair his right knee on Dec. 27. The plan, for this week, is to work Carimi every other day as the Bears slowly get him back up to speed with an eye toward him being full go by the time training camp opens. That means he’ll be back in action Thursday and then expects to be out every day beginning next week.

Carimi participated in some drills Tuesday and watched Wednesday as his teammates worked out. He’s projected to be the starting right tackle after playing in just 1 1/2 games as a rookie in 2011.

“I am not behind at all,” Carimi said. “The doctor said since the surgery it would be about six months. What date it is it today? It’s the 30th. So six months was three days ago. I’m right there.”

Here are some observations from the practice:

**The most head-turning plays may have been turned in by wide receiver Devin Hester in 7-on-7 drills. He dropped a pass going over the middle from the slot but followed with two terrific catches downfield. He was able to create plenty of separation with his speed and quickness.

**In a two-minute drill, Hester lined up on the outside with Earl Bennett playing the slot. Hester caught two of the first three passes from Jay Cutler before Bennett scored a touchdown.

**Running back Matt Forte was the only player not present, although a handful did not participate, including middle linebacker Brian Urlacher and wide receiver Johnny Knox. Also, tight end Kellen Davis was sidelined for the second consecutive Wednesday.

**Long snapper Pat Mannelly, rehabilitating from a torn ACL in his left knee, is not back in action. He was doing resistance training with Bobby Slater, one of the club’s top athletic trainers.

**Just like last week, big tight end Draylen Ross spent some time with running backs during individual drills. Ross is 6-4, 271 pounds, and could be considered a potential H-back.

**Nickel cornerback D.J. Moore, missing last week, was back in action and running with the first team.

**The first-team offensive line remains a work in progress. J’Marcus Webb and Chris Williams split time at left tackle. Chris Spencer was at left guard with Roberto Garza at center and Lance Louis at right guard. James Brown, the undrafted rookie from Troy, and Mansfield Wrotto worked with the ones at right tackle. That, of course, changes when Carimi returns to action.

**Tim Jennings sat out but the veteran cornerback said he will be back in action on Thursday. Taking his place with the starters was Jonathan Wilhite. Rookie draft picks Greg McCoy and Isaiah Frey were the second team cornerbacks.

**Chauncey Davis and Corey Wootton spent most of the time with the second team at defensive end. First-round pick Shea McClellin is slowly being worked in. There is no reason for alarm here. They don’t just plug top picks in right away.

**Newcomer John McCargo spent time with the second team at defensive tackle.

**Rookie cornerback Isaiah Frey committed a no-no when he knocked over wide receiver Eric Weems in 7-on-7 drills.

**Tight end Kyle Adams, who could be used at the F position coordinator Mike Tice wants to highlight more, spent some time running with the ones.

**The Bears had their regular special teams period and then at the end spent five minutes on onside kick and the hands team.




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