Tackle Charles Leno practices with Bears' No. 1 offense

INDIANAPOLIS – Second-year offensive tackle Charles Leno Jr.’s strong training camp has earned him a big opportunity.

Leno worked with the Bears’ first-team offense during the second of two joint practices with the Colts on Thursday at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.

Jordan Mills, who has started 29 games over the previous two seasons, worked with the second team before leaving late with a calf injury.

Coach John Fox wouldn’t commit to starting Leno against the Colts in their preseason game on Saturday night, saying he needed to speak to his staff. Mills’ injury will be factor, but Leno also has impressed the Bears’ coaches throughout camp.

“[Leno has] been playing with the two’s all camp, and he’s been performing well,” Fox said.

Leno, a seventh-round pick in 2014, has earned the support of offensive line coach Dave Magazu because of his versatility. Earlier in camp, Leno played in place of left tackle Jermon Bushrod, who had been limited by a back injury.

“Love Charles,” Magazu said at Olivet Nazarene University. “He’s done a great job. He’s working his butt off. He’s played every position along the offensive line in this camp. I think he has a ton of ability and he’s going to be a good football player here.”

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