Fox: Expect Chicago Bears starters to get 12-15 snaps in Thursday's game

BOURBONNAIS — Even though starters won't play much in Thursday's exhibition opener against the Miami Dolphins at Soldier Field, there's an increased level of interest, at least among a coaching staff that has yet to see players in game action.

Offensive and defensive starters are slated to play 12-15 snaps.

“I'd like to see about a 12-play drive and score,” coach John Fox said of the offense. “We're excited. We've seen these guys on tape and in practice, but we haven't seen them against an opponent yet in live conditions.”

Coaches will see how well they've accomplished their goal of putting players in positions to succeed and using them in the right situations.

But expectations are limited, and coaches will not game-plan for the Dolphins.

“We're not in full-blown game mode right now,” Fox said. “We're still in training camp, still installing, putting in a new offense and a new defense, as well as special teams.

“We just want to be able to let them line up with things that they can execute (so) we can evaluate and pick our best 53.”

Players fighting for roster spots can accomplish more with an impressive performance under the lights than in all training camp practices combined. And there are two more preseason games before the first roster reduction, to 75, on Sept. 1. The cutdown to the final 53 is on Sept. 5.

Battling for backups:

Traditionally, workhorse running back Matt Forte gets very little work in the preseason, because he doesn't need it.

That provides players battling for backup spots behind him a long look. This year that includes rookie Jeremy Langford and Ka'Deem Carey, the past two fourth-round picks.

“(Carey) is a tough nut,” running backs coach Stan Drayton said. “He's got a year under his belt, and he's not out here flinching at all. In this offense, we're expanding his skill set, and that takes some time.

“We're asking him to flex out and be a receiver at times, whereas last year he didn't have to do a whole lot of that. We're adding to his game, and he's responding well.”

Carey rushed 36 times for 158 yards (4.4-yard average) last year and caught 5 passes for 57 yards (11.4-yard average).

But he could be a longshot to make the roster, since he was drafted by the previous regime, while Langford was a Ryan Pace pick.

Veteran Jacquizz Rodgers also has been impressive in training camp and is an accomplished pass catcher.

Langford was a workhorse at Michigan State and wasn't used much as a receiver but has impressed in camp.

“He's a very sharp rookie,” Drayton said. “He knows his (assignments). He's not out here guessing, (or) second-guessing every move he makes. He's very decisive about his play.”

High hopes:

Quarterback Jay Cutler is optimistic about his offensive line that includes the addition of a healthy Matt Slauson at right guard and free-agent center Will Montgomery.

Slauson, the line leader since the release of center Roberto Garza in the off-season, was limited to five games last year because of injuries.

Montgomery brings a firsthand knowledge of the new offense, having played for coach John Fox and offensive coordinator Adam Gase last year in Denver.

“Those guys are really close,” Cutler said. “They like the offense (and) our ability to run the ball. They like the up-tempo stuff. It gives them a little bit of an advantage with some of our (quick) snap count stuff and getting on the ball quickly.

“They're doing great, (but) we've got to take that next step and continue to get better and translate some of this practice stuff over to games.”

Taking attendance:

Cornerback Tracy Porter did not participate in Tuesday's practice after tweaking his hamstring a day earlier, and he is day to day.

Outside linebacker Jared Allen was excused for personal reasons.

Rookie wide receiver Kevin White, working individually on an adjacent field, was able to run on grass for the first time since he was shut down eight weeks ago because of a shin injury.

The Bears acquired linebacker Matthew Wells in a trade with the New England Patriots for guard Ryan Groy.