Bears DT Eddie Goldman ready to return

SHARE Bears DT Eddie Goldman ready to return

It’s back to full action for rookie nose tackle Eddie Goldman after he suffered a concussion in the Bears’ third exhibition against Bengals.

And Goldman doesn’t feel as if he fell too far behind.

“Even though I missed practice, I still took mental reps and then I was still working out at the same time, just getting in my playbook,” Goldman said after practice on Wednesday. “I missed one or two practices, but mentally I was still there.”

Goldman should start at nose against the Packers with Jarvis Jenkins and Ego Ferguson at ends. The Bears’ second-round pick this year, Goldman was having a strong preseason, including against the Bengals, before suffering his concussion. His strength and ability to handle double teams had impressed his coaches.

“Hopefully, we’ll be back up to speed here quickly [with Goldman],” defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said.

Goldman said this was the first time he’s suffered a concussion.

“The staff did a good job of putting me in front of the right people and talking to the right people to get me back healthy,” Goldman said. “So I wasn’t worried at all.”

This and that

Receivers Alshon Jeffery (calf), Eddie Royal (hip) and Marquess Wilson (hamstring) and linebacker Jon Bostic (ankle) were limited during practice.

Outside linebacker Sam Acho (illness) and cornerback Tracy Porter (hamstring) didn’t take part in practice, while quarterback Jimmy Clausen (concussion) fully participated.

>>> Some notable players have switched numbers. Goldman is now No. 91, Porter No. 21, safety Antrel Rolle No. 26 and running back Jeremy Langford No. 33.

Follow me on Twitter @adamjahns

Email: ajahns@suntimes.com

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