For Jason Peters, last week’s preseason finale against the Titans was a positive start. But the nine-time Pro Bowl left tackle still has to prove he is ready to face opponents at regular-season game speed — and that he can hold on for an entire game after not having played since last Dec. 6. He played 21 snaps against the Titans.
Peters again was doing extra individual work before practice Thursday to speed up the acclimation process. But Bears general manager Ryan Pace said, “I think we were fortunate there” to sign Peters after rookie Teven Jenkins had back surgery.
“It’s exciting,” Pace said. “He’s working back into football shape. He knows that, so we’re being smart with that. But if you just watch his foot quickness and how he moves, his technique, his experience. He’s just a savvy vet that’s still moving very well. That’s a credit to the athlete that he is and keeping himself in good shape.”
Rookie Larry Borom, a fifth-round draft pick whom the Bears had “graded close” to Jenkins, according to Pace, is a legitimate option to Peters.
“Larry has lost a lot of weight since he played at Missouri,” Pace said, “so what you are seeing is a guy with a former basketball background, really athletic feet, playing almost 40 pounds lighter than he played in college and [is] moving a lot better. He’s looking like he can play on either side, so that’s going to pay off moving forward.”
Goldman missing
Nose tackle Eddie Goldman, who played 10 snaps against the Titans, was not on the practice field for undisclosed reasons. But coach Matt Nagy said before practice he was encouraged by Goldman’s performance.
“He’s been really good,” Nagy said. “He made some great plays, took on some double teams.”
Adams returns
Wide receiver Rodney Adams, who made the initial 53-man roster before being cut Wednesday, cleared waivers and was signed to the practice squad. Adams led the Bears in the preseason with 10 receptions for 161 yards with one touchdown.
Fields note of the day
Nagy said rookie quarterback Justin Fields initially wasn’t thrilled with scout-team work but already is taking to it, Nagy said.
“It was just like, ‘This is what you gotta do — work on your feet, step up and step out,’ and now he’s like awesome,” Nagy said. “So he gets it. He understands the way.”
Nagy said Fields also will get some reps with the game plan for the upcoming opponent. He’ll also continue to work with quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo on fundamentals.
“Every week, every play and minute that goes by, he just keeps growing,” Nagy said. “Flip has a great plan ready for him.”
