Organized team activities in the NFL technically are voluntary, and they kind of looked that way Tuesday.
The Bears don’t have any holdouts in the offseason program, but several players sat out because of injuries.
Guard Kyle Long, linebackers Danny Trevathan and Willie Young and tight end Zach Miller were among seven starters from 2016 who didn’t practice. Receiver Kevin White was on the field but didn’t take part, either.
‘‘We’re just trying to make sure we get guys ready for camp,’’ coach John Fox said when asked about White.
Center Hroniss Grasu wasn’t in attendance. Guard Josh Sitton, running back Jeremy Langford and receiver Daniel Braverman, all of whom are recovering from an injury, were on the field.
Linebacker Pernell McPhee and defensive tackle Jaye Howard were among those who participated with a red ‘‘injury’’ jersey. Others included receiver Markus Wheaton, linebacker Lamarr Houston, rookie safety Eddie Jackson, inside linebacker Dan Skuta, defensive lineman John Jenkins and safety Deiondre’ Hall.
McPhee, Houston ‘working hard’
McPhee, who missed the first six games last season while recovering from knee surgery, is in better shape. So is Houston, who missed the final 14 games with a knee injury.
‘‘They’re about where we expected them to be,’’ Fox said. ‘‘They’re both working very, very hard.’’
Forgotten man
Backup quarterback Mark Sanchez has been lost in the shuffle, but he’s a five-year starter who was 4-2 in the playoffs with the Jets.
‘‘He’s operated in these circumstances before,’’ Fox said. ‘‘You lean on those experiences, and he’s done a tremendous job.’’
Follow me on Twitter @MarkPotash.
Email: mpotash@suntimes.com
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