BOURBONNAIS — The Chicago Sun-Times’ Adam L. Jahns, Patrick Finley and Mark Potash break down the eighth practice (ninth day overall) of Bears training camp:
There’s McPhee
Fans got to see to outside linebacker Pernell McPhee for the first time in Bourbonnais on Friday. His knee still kept him on the sidelines, but he watched practice for the first time, and, being an emotional player, he got into it. McPhee, who has worked indoors with trainers and attended all meetings, cheered on the defense’s second- and third-stringers in animated fashion. He also tried to relay messages to the defense about assignments and reads before the snap. … When he plays, second-year defensive tackle Eddie Goldman remains dominant. He had another tackle for loss during team drills.
Adam L. Jahns
Tavezey does it
With Kyle Fuller out Friday, a relative unknown looked good: Taveze Calhoun, an undrafted free agent cornerback from Mississippi State. Also, nickelback Bryce Callahan has been solid when forced to play outside, despite his 5-10 (and that’s being generous) size. … Steve McMichael chatted up guard Kyle Long after practice before shaking hands with defensive line coach Jay Rodgers, Later, with his booming voice, he promised another player that he was once young, too. … New fullback Darrel Young arrived Thursday knowing only a few Bears. He played with receiver Josh Bellamy on the Redskins, and knew the team erred in letting him go in 2014. “I was like, ‘Someboy’s about to get a helluva football player,’” Young said.
Patrick Finley
Opportunity Knocks
With the Bears’ four top WRs not participating — Alshon Jeffery, Kevin White, Eddie Royal and Marquess Wilson — former Bears Johnny Knox and Tom Waddle were the best receivers at camp Friday. Knox, forced into retirement by a brutal injury in 2012, visited with former teammate Sherrick McManis and Kyle Fuller after practice. … Jay Cutler connected with Josh Bellamy, but also was intercepted by Tracy Porter trying to hit Bellamy over the middle. … Cornelius Washington looking good vs. Kyle Long in a one-on-one pass-rush drill. Jeremy Langford showing some zu-zu to beat LB John Timu on a run play.
Mark Potash
Up next: 12:40 practice at Soldier Field
