Bears notes: Cody Whitehair’s move to center has gone well

Ted Larsen might be listed as the Bears’ starting center, but rookie Cody Whitehair’s crash course in the middle of the offensive line this week has apparently gone well.

“Things come natural to him,” quarterback Jay Cutler said Thursday after practice at Halas Hall. “He’s a natural football player, natural offensive lineman.

“With him, he just hadn’t snapped as much as some of these other guys. He is a heck of an athlete, and the last couple days have been a smooth transition for him.”

Offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains said center always remained an option for Whitehair, who was starting left guard until veteran Josh Sitton was signed.

Whitehair, the Bears’ second-round pick, was a four-year starter in college at Kansas State, playing both tackle and guard spots.

“We think Cody has position flexibility,” Loggains said. “We knew that when we drafted him. … [It’s] his ability to move and get to that second level. That’s where you really see his athleticism really show up.”

This and that

Right guard Kyle Long (shoulder), cornerback Kyle Fuller (knee), cornerback Bryce Callahan (groin), kick returner Deonte Thompson (knee/ankle), safety Deon Bush (hamstring), fullback Paul Lasike (wrist) and defensive lineman Cornelius Washington (ankle/knee) remained limited at practice on Thursday.

Receiver Kevin White was a new addition. He was limited by a hamstring injury.

* The Bears will officially announce their five permanent captains for the season this week. Cutler is expected to be one of them.