1985 Bears Coverage: New cornerbacks look to impress

Every day of the 2015 Chicago Bears season, Chicago Sun-Times Sports will revisit its coverage 30 years ago during the 1985 Bears’ run to a Super Bowl title.

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New cornerbacks look to impress

Herb Gould

Originally published Aug. 24, 1985

Free agent CB Ken Taylor will start for the injured Leslie Frazier (pulled leg muscle) tomorrow night in Dallas. Taylor and Reggie Phillips, a second-round pick, have been working at both corners. “They’ve got to be able to play both sides,” coach Mike Ditka said.

DT Dan Hampton, who will make his first pre-season appearance, said he expected to play about a quarter. His rehabilitation from off-season arthroscopic knee surgery is proceeding on schedule. . . . WR Dennis McKinnon (knee surgery) practiced for the first time since a premature return that caused a fluid buildup, but he won’t play tomorrow. McKinnon was just testing the leg, Ditka said. “If Dennis can play a little against Buffalo in next week’s pre-season finale and be ready for the opener, that would help us a lot,” Ditka said. “That’s what I’m looking for.” . . . S Gary Fencik was sidelined with fluid on his knee and is a question mark for tomorrow. . . . TE Pat Dunsmore (pulled leg muscle) is doubtful.

Asked what positions would be especially important in light of Tuesday’s cutdown to 50 players, Ditka started naming a few spots, but soon had covered much of the team. “I have some ideas of what we’ll do, but I don’t know what will happen,” he said. “It’s not easy.”