Next game critical for Bears' wide receivers

With first-round pick Kevin White unavailable for at least a couple months and Alshon Jeffery nursing a strained calf, there are more opportunities for wide receivers farther down the depth chart to make an impression.

Eddie Royal and Marquess Wilson are the expected starters on Saturday against the Colts, but there are eight players bunched behind them, seven rookies or first-year payers, along with sixth-year veteran return specialists Marc Mariani.

Practice counts for something, but Saturday's game performance is critical.

"We're in a performance-based business, and we evaluate guys every day in practice (but) there's a little bit of a loaded curve on a game performance," coach John Fox said. "That's why these preseason games are important, for coaches to evaluate and make sure we do our best to pick the best 53. That won't change. It won't change now.

"Injuries happen. You keep 53 guys because you think they can play."

Undrafted rookie Cameron Meredith helped his cause in the preseason opener with team bests of 4 catches and 47 yards. The 6-foot-3, 207-pound graduate of St. Joseph's High School in Westchester started his career at Illinois State as a quarterback before switching to wide receiver for his final two seasons.

Safety first:

Rookie fifth-round draft pick Adrian Amos has replaced 2014 fourth-round pick Brock Vereen as the safety starter alongside Antrel Rolle in practice and on the depth chart.

Coach John Fox was asked what he's looking for at that position.

"A guy that plays good," Fox said. "We've got to throw guys into game situations. We've had one game behind us, we learned some things, and we adjust and move forward. It's a very fluid process. It's week-to-week."

Bumps and bruises:

Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (strained calf) and tight end Chris Pantale (ill) did not participate in Tuesday's first practice back at Halas Hall.

Running back (right knee) and safety Ryan Mundy (left hip) were limited. Pantale is the only player who will not travel with the team to Indianapolis, although Jeffery will not play.