The Chicago Bears have begun their Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this week. Another voluntary portion of offseason minicamps as the team begins the ramp-up process for training camp. While there usually isn’t much to take from performance on the field in these drills, there is one thing that stood out on Wednesday. How many notable players were absent from the action.
According to multiple media members in attendance, nearly the entire starting Bears defense was not present on the field. Roquan Smith was the only exception. On the offensive side, it was a different story. Most of the starters were accounted for except for one. It was a pretty big one too in wide receiver Allen Robinson. Perhaps a sign that he may intend to hold out over the ongoing contract dispute with the organization.
Nick Foles also wasn’t there.
Not seen participating in Wednesday Bears OTA: Allen Robinson, Nick Foles, Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman, Robert Quinn.
— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) June 2, 2021
Except for Allen Robinson, most of the Bears’ key offensive players — Andy Dalton, Justin Fields, David Montgomery, Jimmy Graham, Cole Kmet — participated in Wednesday’s voluntary OTA workout.
— Jeff Dickerson (@DickersonESPN) June 2, 2021
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There are a number of reasons why several of those players weren’t present. It is a voluntary camp and most of the names mentioned are older veterans. They may feel no need to put their body through any further strenuous activity than necessary. Some may also have received veteran days off from the coaching staff. It’s not like the defense was the source of the issues the past few years.
Robinson on the other hand? His absence is almost certain to be about his contract. Something that was expected by many going into this month. It’ll be interesting to see what happens when the minicamps become mandatory on June 15th. If he skips those, then it’ll be really interesting to see if he risks considerable fines by sitting out training camp. The Bears likely hope it doesn’t get that far.
Especially since they’re already dealing with health issues at wide receiver. Rookie Dazz Newsome reportedly suffered a shoulder injury during practice.
Matt Nagy says rookie WR Dazz Newsome landed hard on his shoulder yesterday and he will be out for a little while. He was in a sling today. #Bears
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) June 2, 2021
Chicago Bears don’t seem overly concerned
Nagy made it clear that while the defensive players were absent on the field, they’ve been present to a man during Zoom meeting. Those are also voluntary. It is likely their absence is due to lingering concerns about COVID-19 and also a lack of desire to practice before they have to. The head coach doesn’t seem perturbed. If anything it gives him and the staff to see other young players on the roster getting reps.
That isn’t a bad thing this time of year. The odds are favorable everybody will be accounted for when things get serious later this month. Training camp begins on July 31st. That is the definitive date everybody should have circled. If guys are missing at that point? Then it is time to have concerns.
Right now is much ado about nothing.
Most of the focus is on the offense anyway. Figuring out what they have at wide receiver, how the offensive line is coming together, and of course the state of the quarterbacks. Early returns are Andy Dalton and Justin Fields have not disappointed. That should keep things interesting for the next couple of weeks. The defense will come around eventually.