By Adam Studzinski
BOURBONNAIS – The Chicago Bears receiving corps isn’t missing a beat, despite a few injuries so far during training camp in Bourbonnais.
Top wideout Alshon Jeffery missed most of practice this week with a hamstring injury. Receiver Eddie Royal also didn’t practice on Friday.
Second year receiver Kevin White, who missed all of 2015 with an injury was another who missed practice Friday. Coach John Fox said they decided to give White the day off.
“We do that periodically – adjust the number of reps. That’s kind of the grind of camp,” Fox said.
Receiving coach Curtis Johnson has liked what he’s seen out of White when he has been on the field.
“He’s getting faster and faster every day,” said Johnson. “It’s gonna take some time, he hasn’t played in a year. (He’s) still a little rusty, but I’m very pleased with his progress.”
Johnson added he’s not concerned about Jeffery missing time.
“He’s really playing well. His retention is fantastic,” said Johnson. “He’s a real good leader. I like where we are with Alshon.”
Fox explained Jeffery is making progress and he’ll be back on the field when the trainers say he’s ready.
Johnson is new to the Bears’ coaching staff this year. Josh Bellamy, another second year pro out of Louisville, spoke about the type of coach Johnson is.
“A lot of energy. He knows the game. He knows what it’s supposed to look like and he knows how he wants it to look,” said Bellamy. “He might go over one play, or one route, for 10 minutes. He’ll coach it for 10 minutes because he knows how he wants it.”
Some players being off the practice field has opened the door a bit for former Illinois State Redbird receiver Cameron Meredith. Meredith made the Bears’ roster in 2015 after being signed as an undrafted free agent. He played much of Friday with the number one offense.
The Bears return to Chicago on Saturday for Family Fest at Soldier Field.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].
