Bears training-camp report: Matt Nagy gives his team a break before day off

BOURBONNAIS — The Sun-Times’ Mark Potash breaks down the Bears’ fifth training-camp practice:

Tapering

After two days in pads, coach Matt Nagy “pulled back a little bit” Tuesday with an abbreviated practice in shorts and shells in pleasant weather at Olivet Nazarene University.

“The benefit for the guys is they get an extra hour of sleep on the front end . . . it’s a little carrot for them,” Nagy said. “And we take the pads off, and it’s more mental. Our guys are going to be gearing up for a day off, then we come back with three good days of pads, and I know they’re really excited for that.”

Long ‘feeling great’

Guard Kyle Long participated in practice after a day off Monday. Long so far has been on an every-other-day routine as he returns from three offseason surgeries.

“I’m feeling great,” Long said. “Today was a great day. Not full pads. It was an opportunity to get out there and work on a lot of details and technique and obviously conditioning. The plan in place is a good one, and I’m just going day-to-day with it.”

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Observations

• Because it was a closed practice, by Bears policy, media are not allowed to provide details.

• Defensive end Akiem Hicks sat out for maintenance.

“We want to make sure he gets his rest,” Nagy said.

Up next

The Bears are off Wednesday and resume practice at 8:15 a.m. Thursday at Olivet Nazarene.

Bears camp live show: Tuesday, July 24

Want your Bears training camp update without delay? Each day of summer practice, Sun-Times beat writers Patrick Finley, Adam Jahns and Mark Potash will share exclusive insights on the practices and interviews live at 1 p.m. daily through August 12. Catch their live analysis and ask questions on Twitter: @suntimes_sports or follow Sun-Times Sports on Periscope to be notified of each live report.