For Bears TE Bennett, it's all about teammates

BOURBONNAIS - Pro Bowl tight end Martellus Bennett stayed away from the off-season program in a failed attempt to get a new contract halfway through his four-year, $20.4 million contract.

So even though he's coming off a career year (90 catches, 916 yards, 6 touchdowns), he was asked if he needs to prove himself to the new coaching staff.

"No, not really," Bennett said, (but) I feel like every single year you have to win your teammates over. It starts with your teammates. You do everything to show those guys you're out there for them, that you're going to be the best player that you could possibly be and you're doing everything to make the plays."

Bennett led all tight ends in receptions and was third in yards after the catch with 478.

"My goal is to always know that I come through, whether it's a clutch situation in the game or whether Matt (Forte) needs me to make a block or Jay (Cutler) needs me to make a catch. Just to show guys that's who I am, and every single year I have to build that trust up.

"They kind of know it in the back of their heads, but when they see it again and again and again, they understand that's who you are."

Remain calm:

First-round pick Kevin White, who is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, attended Thursday's practice. But the wide receiver was there only as an observer.

The Bears continue to classify White's ailment only as "a shin injury," although he has been unable to perform any organized football activities for more than a month. Alarmists already are formulating conspiracy theories but coach John Fox downplayed the situation.

"He's day to day," Fox said. "It's not a long-term problem. "It's like any injury - a blister could become a long-term problem if you don't treat it right. We're just trying to do the proper treatment and do what's in his best interest. Whatever his best interest is, is our best interest."

Speculation is that White is suffering from shin splints, a painful condition caused by stress fractures (tiny breaks) in the lower leg bones, often from overuse. But Fox didn't elaborate.

"I could say exactly what it is, but I'm not," the Bears' coach said. "It's his shin. It's something that shouldn't be long term but that we're going to monitor."

White was expected to contend for a starting spot but his chance of doing so would decrease if he is out for any length of time.

Can't drive 55:

Cornerback Tim Jennings missed Thursday's opening practice of camp because he was in Gwinnett County, Georgia, resolving a DUI arrest from January, when he was clocked at 99 mph in a 65-mph zone en route to a parent-teacher conference.

Jennings was charged with DUI after officers reported a strong smell of alcohol following the traffic stop, although he said he had stopped drinking 10 hours before his arrest.

Jennings pleaded guilty to reckless driving and avoided the DUI charge and jail time. He received 12 months of probation and was ordered to perform 40 hours of non-football-related community service. Jennings also must attend a DUI awareness program and pay an undisclosed fine.

The 10-year veteran and two-time Pro Bowler is coming off a down season in 2014. His was an excused absence, and he is expected to participate in Friday's practice.

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