Rodriguez making strong impression
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Rodriguez making strong impression
Rookie tight end stood out on special teams in 1st exhibition and has played well on offense
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By Vaughn McClure, Chicago Tribune reporter 12:08 a.m. CDT, August 15, 2012
BOURBONNAIS — After Bears special teams coordinator Dave Toub dissected the film of Thursday night's loss to the Broncos, he concluded one new face made an impact on special teams: Evan Rodriguez.
The rookie tight end played on all four phases, including guard on kickoff return.
"He did a solid job as a rookie,'' Toub said. "He kind of stood out. A lot of the young guys didn't do enough for me to mention. They know who they are, and they need to get better.''
Rodriguez, a fourth-round draft pick from Temple, has impressed on offense as well throughout camp at Olivet Nazarene University, including a nifty catch down the seam Tuesday off a dart from backup quarterback Jason Campbell.
A lot to learn: Defensive backs coach Jon Hoke didn't exactly rave about the first-game performance of rookie defensive backs Brandon Hardin, Isaiah Frey and Greg McCoy.
"Isaiah, McCoy, Hardin; all those first-year players, I mean that was the first time for them so it was a little bit of an eye-opener for them,'' Hoke said. "They didn't play as physical as they would have liked to and didn't make as many plays."
Hardin was a little down on himself for dropping an interception in the game. Both McCoy and Frey made plays in practice Tuesday, with McCoy picking off a deep pass intended for fellow rookie Brittan Golden and the 6-foot Frey playing strong defense against the 6-3 Alshon Jeffery in the red zone.
Injury update: Besides Brian Urlacher being sidelined after arthroscopic knee surgery, defensive tackle Stephen Paea remained out with an ankle injury. But Paea was out of a walking boot and vowed to return within a week.
Also sidelined were guard Chilo Rachal (groin) and linebackers Dom DeCicco (groin) and Adrien Cole (undisclosed) and defensive tackle DeMario Pressley (foot).
Nickelback D.J. Moore, who missed most of Monday night's practice with a thigh injury, was back on the field Tuesday.
Extra points: Lance Briggs rested Tuesday, allowing Patrick Trahan to work with the first team at weak-side linebacker alongside Nick Roach and Geno Hayes. … Chris Williams took the majority of the first-team reps at left tackle ahead of J'Marcus Webb as the competition continued. … Safety Chris Conte had two interceptions, solidifying what already has been an excellent camp. … Kelvin Hayden punched the ball loose from Dane Sanzenbacher near the goal line a day after Hayden pushed Sanzenbacher following the receiver's tussle with Tim Jennings.
vxmcclure@tribune.com
