Bears brute Eddie Goldman leaves practice with ‘heat illness’

BOURBONNAIS – The heat and humidity got the best of a heated Eddie Goldman Sunday at Olivet Nazarene University.

The second-year defensive tackle scuffled with rookie guard Cody Whitehair and later left practice with what coach John Fox called “heat illness.”

“He got in a little bit of a ruckus,” Fox said, smiling. “[It] might have drained his energy a little bit, but I’m sure he’ll be fine once he gets his fluids back.”

Several players have been affected by the steamy conditions during camp in Bourbonnais. But Goldman is an interesting case because of his size and his issues last year at this time. Exactly a year ago Sunday, Goldman left practice because of dehydration.

Goldman reported to camp in much better shape than last year. He’s officially listed at 320 pounds after peaking at around 340 pounds last season.

The Bears envision a more extensive workload for Goldman in his second season. Last year, he played 50.1 percent of the defensive snaps.

“I saw great progress with Eddie last year in his rookie campaign,” Fox said. “I thought he got better as the season went on. He’s worked hard. I think sometimes it takes a year to develop a pro body, understand the pro schedule, so he’s improved himself physically.”

Long’s story

Right guard Kyle Long didn’t practice because of his strained left calf, but he did some light work on the sideline. It included going through pass sets and exercises with a medicine ball.

Defensive end Akiem Hicks, arguably the most imposing defender thus far in camp, said he misses facing Long.

“A lot, a lot,” Hicks said. “That’s the most fun in practice. When you have a guy that’s a great competitor, a hard worker and he’s going to give you a run for your money every time, you appreciate that as a competitor. So yeah, I do miss him. But I want to make sure he’s fine and takes his time and comes back out there when he’s ready.”

Injury report

Outside linebacker Leonard Floyd is back at full health (or close to it). Floyd (stomach illness) wasn’t listed among Fox’s list ailing players. He was limited a day earlier.

Rookie linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (hamstring) sat out, while undrafted rookie outside linebacker Roy Robertson-Harris (illness) missed his third full practice.

Tight end Khari Lee (shoulder sprain), defensive lineman Terry Williams (shoulder) and cornerback Brandon Boykin (pectoral) were limited.