Thread: Sunday's practice: Reserves get a crack

Thought this would be interesting:

LINK to the article
Reserves get a crack

DE Gibson impresses at hard-hitting session

By Vaughn McClure, Tribune reporter 8:38 p.m. CDT, July 29, 2012

BOURBONNAIS — Lovie Smith knows what to expect from guys such as Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall, Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs. Sunday afternoon, the Bears coach got a closer look at some of the talent deeper down the 90-man roster.

The reserve players, mostly third- and fourth-stringers, turned an otherwise mellow session into an all-out, hard-hitting scrimmage near the end of practice.

"There's a lot of different positions you're trying to get a look at," Smith said. "We have an idea about what the top part of our roster will look like. But you want to be able to see some of the down-the-line guys. A lot of times, you have to wait until an actual preseason game. So, (it was a chance to) get a little bit of live work for some of the younger players to get an opportunity to prove what they can do.''

Some of the those players included defensive end Thaddeus Gibson, running back Armando Allen, rookie quarterback Matt Blanchard and rookie receiver Brittan Golden.

Gibson joined the practice squad last November but was elevated to the active roster at season's end. He displayed some outstanding moves during pass-rush drills, then flashed his speed during the scrimmage.

"His gift has never been a question," veteran defensive end Israel Idonije said. "The guy has got some God-given ability that very few have. ... He was just putting on a clinic."

Back to work: Devin Hester returned to practice after tweaking his right ankle Friday. He showed no ill-effects from the injury as he caught passes with ease and fielded punts.

"It's getting better and better each and every day," Hester said. "Yeah, I was worried. But it wasn't any serious ankle injury."

Marshall (leg), safety Chris Conte (ill) and rookie receiver Joe Anderson (ill) were at full strength after missing some plays Saturday night.

Day of rest: Defensive end Julius Peppers was padded up and wore a helmet but rested during most of the practice session. Veteran Chauncey Davis worked with the first team in place of Peppers.

"We're not going to beat him up," Smith said of Peppers. "We pretty much know what he can do. So, they'll monitor his reps."

Peppers suffered a sprained knee last season but played through the pain.

Extra points: Marshall got another rousing ovation when he made a leaping catch in front of Charles Tillman during 7-on-7 drills. … As seems to be the routine, D.J. Moore picked off a pass. He stepped in front of a ball Cutler intended for Eric Weems, who slipped on the route. … Quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates took a hands-on approach, making like a defensive back to cover the receivers during individual drills. … It was Chris Williams' turn to work with the first team at left tackle ahead of J'Marcus Webb as the two continue to spread reps evenly throughout camp. ... Newly acquired defensive tackle Brian Price continued to work only in shorts as he awaits his first full day of regular practice Tuesday. The Bears are off Monday.

vxmcclure@tribune.com