Training camp is getting closer for the Chicago Bears and thus far things have gone according to plan. To put it another way? They haven’t suffered any catastrophic setbacks. Not yet anyway. All they can do is hope that their luck continues to hold. Until then it’s on the players and coaches to keep working hard. That said, Matt Nagy seemed like he was in a chipper mood following the teams’ latest OTA practice.
Turns out he had a few reasons why that is. The team got a few pieces of good news all at the same time. Here are a few of the highlights that he ended up sharing with the media in no particular order.
Allen Robinson is officially active in Bears practices
Hey, it’s Allen Robinson! pic.twitter.com/KBeajHvlXy
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) May 30, 2018
One of the notable absentees at Bears practice thus far was their prized free agent signing, wide receiver Allen Robinson. He was still rehabbing from the torn ACL he suffered a year ago. The team wasn’t going to rush him though he was reportedly chomping at the bit to get back. Reports surfaced he was pain-free yesterday and sure enough he made his first appearance on the field. Nagy said it was “really good” to see him out there. There’s still no hurry. Plans are to stick with the timetable in hopes he’s 100% for training camp.
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Leonard Floyd is on course to be full-go at training camp
Everybody knows that the Bears pass rush is in a state of unknown. Their only proven talent at this point is Leonard Floyd and, like Robinson, he’s recovering from a season-ending knee injury. Has he suffered any setback? Not according to Nagy who revealed the linebacker did some 7-on-7 work during team drills. In fact, he’s ahead of Robinson in recovery and is expected to be ready to roll when the training camp practices begin next month. If he can stay healthy in 2018 the pass rush should be okay.
Kevin White is running the full route tree of the new offense
Kevin White👀👀 pic.twitter.com/KI1p2T61bN
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) March 28, 2018
After the huge rush of new receivers, the Bears added this offseason, it was easy for people to forget about Kevin White. The former first round pick hasn’t done much to warrant preferential treatment anymore. Not after missing all but five games with injury the past three years. If he wanted to rescue his ailing spot in Chicago, he’d have to work for it. Nagy confirmed he’s been doing just that. Already he seems to have a grasp of the route running concepts and is putting in time before and after practice. “He’s committed. He’s dedicated.”
Jordan Howard fits well in the offense
The trade rumors around Jordan Howard died long ago but Nagy seemed willing to make sure he kept them in the grave for good. He couldn’t offer much opinion on Howard to this point because running backs are difficult to evaluate in shorts. However, he made no mistake. Regardless of the concerns about running routes or catching the football, Howard has a valuable role to play that this team can take advantage of. “He fits well in this offense.” That should settle people down on the issue at last.
