Bears Like Carimi's Progress, Meaning He's Still Not 100%.........
Bears' Tice likes Carimi's progress
Tackle not 100 percent, but offensive coordinator believes he will get better with play
By Vaughn McClure, Chicago Tribune reporter 7:57 p.m. CDT, September 5, 2012
Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice praised the progress of Gabe Carimi on Wednesday, but also expressed concern about whether the second-year tackle is recovered fully from last year's season-ending knee injury in Week 2.
Carimi had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in November and then underwent another procedure in December before returning to practice this offseason. The first-round draft pick from Wisconsin took reps off during training camp but looked healthy during three exhibitions.
"He's going to take a while to be up to full speed," Tice said. "The endurance in his leg is going to come with game time.''
Carimi is slated to start at right tackle alongside right guard Lance Louis, center Roberto Garza, left guard Chris Spencer and left tackle J'Marcus Webb. Reserve Chris Williams is the swing tackle.
"We're going to certainly be very careful if it appears that he's getting tried,'' Tice said of Carimi. "We have other guys — Chris (Williams) — who can spell him. But I'm anxious to see Carimi play.
"He came on real well at the end of preseason, really was run-blocking well. His pass protection has gotten better, so I'm excited to see how he matures. He's a big part of what we're trying to do.''
Carimi was asked about his knee during open locker room, hours before Tice addressed the media.
"I feel good about it,'' Carimi said. "I have to warm up a little bit more but besides that, I don't have to think much of it.''
Making progress: Linebacker Brian Urlacher had full participation in practice Wednesday as he continues his comeback from a left knee scope. He appears to be on track to play Sunday against the Colts.
Also, punter Adam Podlesh had a limited practice for the first time since suffering a left hip flexor injury in an Aug. 18 exhibition against the Redskins.
"We haven't ruled that out yet,'' Podlesh said of playing Sunday. "But it is still to be seen.''
Safety Chris Conte, who is recovering from a dislocated right shoulder, also was listed as limited on the season's first injury report. Running back Lorenzo Booker, who suffered a head injury in the final exhibition in Cleveland, was the only player held out of practice. A least one source said Booker suffered a slight concussion, but Booker told the Tribune he simply was sick to his stomach and refused to say he had a concussion.
The Bears might have to consider promoting Armando Allen from the practice squad if Booker's injury lingers. And Kahlil Bell, last season's third running back, remains a free agent after refusing a pay cut and being waived Aug. 23.
For the Colts, starting left guard Joe Reitz (knee) and reserve linebacker Pat Angerer (foot) were held out while backup receiver T.Y. Hilton (shoulder) and reserve running back Delone Carter (chest) were limited.
Rivalry week: Saturday night's Vanderbilt-Northwestern matchup in Evanston sparked some interesting conversation Wednesday. Quarterback Jay Cutler, who played at Vanderbilt along with receiver Earl Bennett and nickel back D.J. Moore, wore a school hat during his Wednesday news conference.
Moore took the "Battle of the Brains'' to another level when asked if Vandy guys were smarter than NU grads.
"I'm not a dumb kid, I learned fast, but I could've done better than I did,'' Moore said. "Once I got to school and got good, I was like `Man, this is for the birds, it's time to leave.'
"It happens like that you know, but I'm smarter than some of the kids who went to Florida State or those types of schools now, and that's just garble.''
Copyright © 2012, Chicago Tribune
