The Bears begin the 2013 preseason against Carolina on Friday night.
BOURBONNAIS- While the Bears continue to make great strides in practice and put the pieces together, the Bears medical staff continues to deal with the walking wounded. Offensive tackle Jonathan Scott was removed from the practice field once again. He participated in individual position drills on Monday after missing a week with a sore right knee.
On Tuesday, swelling was discovered in that same knee and Scott did not participate as a result. The Chicago Tribune is reporting that arthroscopic surgery could be a strong possibility for him if his knee doesn’t heal. His status for Friday’s exhibition in Carolina is doubtful. In the meantime, J’Marcus Webb and Eben Britton have been sharing first team reps at right tackle.
The news is much better for the opposite tackle Jermon Bushrod. He fully participated in Tuesdays practice after being limited to position drills on Monday. It was his first full practice since injuring his calf muscle last week. There is some major concern for Bears wide receiver Earl Bennett. He was once again nowhere near the practice field and the Bears say that he is still being evaluated for a possible concussion. This comes three days after Bennett was taken off the field during the Bears Family Fest practice at Solider Field last weekend.
Either the Bears are being very cautious with him, or perhaps there may be something more serious going on. But the good thing is that the Bears are taking their time with Bennett, especially since he missed two games with a concussion last year. Cornerback Kelvin Hayden {hamstring} and linebacker D.J. Williams {calf} are still out and chances are all three players will miss Friday’s kickoff against Carolina.
Isaiah Frey has been taking Hayden’s spot in the nickel package during practice. Frey spent all of last season on the practice squad and he is definitely taking advantage of the extra reps he’s been getting in Hayden’s absence. He’s hopeful that he’ll see plenty of playing time on Friday. Rookie Jon Bostic is slated to start at middle linebacker in place of Williams this week.
The Bears are hoping they can get through the week without any other injuries before heading to Charlotte on Friday night.
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