New look Benson feels faster

The idea promoted in some corners that Cedric Benson was woefully behind in rehabilitating his broken left leg/ankle was off. Considerably.

If running around in shorts and a helmet counts for much, and we know it doesnt, Benson looked pretty good Wednesday in the Bears practice at Halas Hall.

In fact, if Benson had not been wearing his No. 32 jersey, you might not have recognized him.

Ive lost about 10 pounds, he said. “Alternating my diet a little bit, and I feel great. That stuff really works.

Some complained Benson was out of shape last season, something he always refuted, but he looks to be a new man and was in good spirits following the two-hour practice.

I feel faster, stronger, clearer, healthier, he said. I feel great.

As for if it is a make or break summer and season for the fourth pick of the 2005 draft?

I dont know, he said. I havent really thought about that. But if it is, come on, make or break, Im sure Im going to make it happen.

The Latest
Despite getting into foul trouble, which limited him to just six minutes in the second half, Shannon finished with 29 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Cowboy hats, bell-bottoms and boots were on full display Thursday night as fans lined up for the first of his three sold-out shows.
The incident occurred about 3:40 p.m. near Minooka. The horse was successfully placed back into the trailer, and the highway reopened about 40 minutes later. No injuries were reported.
The Hawks conceded the game’s only two goals within the first seven minutes and were shut out for the 12th time this season in a 2-0 defeat Thursday.