Thread: Toeaina Says Broken Hand Won't Keep Him Sidelined..............

Broken hand won't keep Toeaina out of minicamp

Defensive tackle originally thought injury was a minor sprain

By Vaughn McClure, Chicago Tribune reporter 11:52 p.m. CDT, June 10, 2012


A broken right hand won't keep Matt Toeaina from participating in the Bears' three-day veteran minicamp starting Tuesday.

The sixth-year defensive tackle initially thought he suffered a minor sprain when his hand hit the helmet of teammate Jordan Miller during defensive line drills at recent OTAs. Toeaina had his hand re-evaluated by head athletic trainer Chris Hanks after he experienced some swelling days after the initial impact.

Toeaina talked about his status while working at teammate Lance Briggs' Nor-Cal All-Star football camp in Sacramento over the weekend.

"It's part of the game, and fortunately I didn't need surgery or anything," Toeaina said. "We'll just let time do its thing and let it heal.''

Toeaina faces two to four weeks of recovery. He wore an air cast last week and participated in the final days of organized team activities. Toeaina showed up to former teammate Rashied Davis' charity event last Tuesday wearing the air cast after showing no signs of the injury the previous week.

When asked if he might consider resting during minicamp, Toeaina brushed off the suggestion.

"No way," he said. "I'm still doing everything during practice. I can somewhat get into a stance. I still can't get off the ball like I want, but I still get all my reps.

"I'm pretty much still full-go."

Toeaina started all 12 games he played in last season and had 21 tackles without a sack. He missed four games in 2011 and battled a sprained knee.

Toeaina could play a key role in stuffing the run and applying inside pressure alongside upstart interior lineman Henry Melton.

vxmcclure@tribune.com