BOURBONNAIS – A few days of full pads in the hot sun has led to more names on the Bears’ injury report, including some notable ones.
Tight end Zach Miller (concussion) and right guard Kyle Long (strained calf) did not practice Monday at Olivet Nazarene University, while receiver Eddie Royal (concussion) exited early on a cart.
After missing time with an illness earlier in camp, rookie outside linebacker Leonard Floyd was limited because of a left shoulder ailment. Cornerback Kyle Fuller also was limited by a sprained ankle.
Coach John Fox said he’s concerned anytime a player misses a practice, but he shrugged of his team’s current spate of injuries as merely part of the daily grind of camp.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been to a camp that guys didn’t miss time,” Fox said.
Linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (hamstring) and outside linebacker Roy Roberston-Harris (illness) sat out practice. Tight end Khari Lee (shoulder sprain) and defensive lineman Terry Williams (shoulder) had limited participation.
Receiver Josh Bellamy (ankle), receiver Derek Keaton (leg), tight end Ben Braunecker (ankle) and defensive lineman Marquis Jackson (hamstring) left practice early with issues.
Rodgers returns
Veteran Jacquizz Rodgers shouldn’t be overlooked in the running-back competition. The team remains high on Rodgers, who is arguably the best blocker among the backs. A valuable special-teamer, he has taken snaps with the starters.
The Bears re-signed Rodgers to a one-year deal after he broke his arm last season and was placed on injured reserve in October.
“From a mental standpoint, I think it made me stronger, made me a better person,” Rodgers said. “[It] made me want to work hard to get back.”
Safety school
Safety Deon Bush, the Bears’ fourth-round selection, said it’s an honor to learn from defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and secondary coach Ed Donatell, who have spent decades in the NFL.
“I’m learning from the best in the game,” Bush said. “They know what it takes for me to be a great safety and the safety that I want to be. I’ve just been trying to soak it all in.”
Part of Bush’s learning process includes watching film of current starting safeties Adrian Amos and Harold Jones-Quartey.
Bush said he’s here to compete with them, but he’s not paying too much attention to the depth chart. He’s still learning Fangio’s defense.
“It’s just making sure I’m in the right place and I have the right opportunity to make plays,” Bush said.
