Fox: Bears not 'covering up' news on rookie Kevin White
BOURBONNAIS — The Bears continue not to provide much clarification on the shin injury that has kept first-round pick Kevin White idle for seven weeks, so coach John Fox continues to be asked about it.
“He's a got shin,” Fox said. “You can call it splints, call it whatever you want. You see him out here. It's not like we're covering up some awful injury where he's in a cast, a boot and crutches. We've got a plan for him. We've wanted to rest it.”
White's injury surfaced at one of the OTAs (organized team activities) in June. Up until then, the Bears were pleased with White's effort and play at wide receiver, and he has continued to receive nothing but praise from teammates and coaches.
“He did a great job,” Fox said. “He's a heck of a fine young player. It flared up. We shut him down for six weeks, now going on seven, and we're easing him back. He's (champing) at the bit. He's mad at me right now because I won't let him practice, but we're going to be smart. He is going to be a viable part of our football team.”
White walked around the practice field on Wednesday, which was the most activity he's done in public, although Fox said he's been working on regaining his cardiovascular fitness away from practice.
“He's doing things with the trainers, and we're going to ramp it up as we go,” the coach said. “I can't predict the future. But it's what it is. It flared up. We're trying to get it to settle down, and we'll see where it goes.”
Offensive coordinator Adam Gase said he doesn't have to worry about White falling behind while he's sidelined.
“His character won't allow it,” Gase said. “He studies (and) he's constantly asking questions in the meetings. (Wide receivers) coach (Mike) Groh does a great job spending time with him. I feel confident that right now on paper he can tell you everything he's supposed to do (on the field). It's just when you get out here and coverages start changing and things start happening fast, it's where are we at at this point?”
Fast learner:
Pro Bowl tight end Martellus Bennett stayed away from all of the voluntary off-season workouts hoping to get a new contract, which he did not.
Apparently the time away did not adversely affect Bennett, at least according to offensive coordinator Adam Gase, who was asked how caught up the tight end was as far as learning the playbook.
“Completely caught up,” Gase said. “He's so smart. I was surprised how fast he learned the playbook for not being here. And then being able to adjust (and) how physical he is in the run game and pass protection — it's so unique. Not many tight ends you see that can do what he does.”
Welcome back:
Former Bears Brian Urlacher, Olin Kreutz and James “Big Cat” Williams all visited Wednesday's practice.
Urlacher, a future Hall of Famer, has been estranged from the team since an acrimonious split when he was released by then-G.M. Phil Emery before the 2013 season. But the relationship has been repaired.
“I've had a relationship with Brian before I came here, so I think that always helps,” coach John Fox said. “I've encouraged him to come around. I've seen him a couple times socially this off-season and he was out here with one of his sons today, so I'll encourage that.
“I like alumni people. They'll be encouraged to be around, Brian included.”
Oh no, O-line:
Monday it was multiple tight ends who got nicked up in practice. Wednesday, after a day off, it was the offensive linemen who struggled to stay on the field.
The most serious injury was to Michael Ola, who started games at four different positions last year as a rookie.
“He did something to his knee,” coach John Fox said. “We're evaluating that, and we'll keep you posted after we get the required tests.”
Right tackle Jordan Mills was briefly sick but returned. Rookie sixth-round tackle Tayo Fabuluje had an asthma attack and left practice but Fox said, “He should be fine.”
Tight end Brian Vogler was waived injured (foot), and the Bears signed free agent tight end Kevin Greene to fill his spot.