Fox eager to see what wide receiver White can do

BOURBONNAIS - Although Chicago Bears starters aren't expected to play more than one quarter in Thursday night's preseason opener against the Denver Broncos, coach John Fox is eager to see wide receiver Kevin White.

The 2015 first-round pick missed his rookie season (shin surgery), although he attended meetings all season.

"There's a difference between sitting in a meeting room and knowing what's going on when it's air-conditioned and quiet," Fox said. "It's a whole lot different when you're getting your head slapped, it's hot, sweaty and remembering what to do. A lot of it's mental."

After starters depart, Fox expects the second stringers to play the second and third quarters and the No. 3 team to play the final 15 minutes.

Everyone has something to play for.

"Every player's different, and you're trying to get ready for the ultimate test, and that's (in) Houston," Fox said of the regular-season opener against the Texans.

"But those practice games, (you're) getting used to finishing, because we don't finish on each other here at practice. That little edge it takes to play live football against an opponent, everybody needs some of it, as long as the body can do it."

Taking a shot:

Coach John Fox was unaware of Tim Tebow's new quest to play professional baseball. The former quarterback was an integral part of Fox's 2011 Denver Broncos playoff team.

"Good for him," Fox said. "He was very competitive, a super, super young person. Very dedicated to life. … a guy that works extremely hard at everything he does. A guy I was very impressed with that took us to the playoffs and won a playoff game."

Tebow started 11 regular-season games for Fox's first Denver team and compiled a 7-4 record with a 72.9 passer rating for an 8-8 Broncos team that won a wild-card game before losing in the divisional round.

Tebow started both playoff games and had a 90.0 passer rating.

Ready to rumble:

First-round draft pick Leonard Floyd has been getting more first-team reps at outside linebacker, and Thursday night's preseason opener presents a brighter spotlight.

"I believe once I get into the stadium my alter ego just comes out," the soft-spoken Floyd said. "I'm not very talkative. But you might have to shut me up on game days. I'm looking forward to Thursday."

Injury report:

Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (hamstring) was limited at Tuesday's final open practice at Olivet Nazarene University, and he's not expected to play in the preseason opener.

But Jeffery said it would be advantageous to get some preseason action, unlike last year when he missed all four games.

"It's always good to get on the same page in the preseason, so it can carry over to the regular season," Jeffery said. "(But) I don't think it will be too hard. It's still football. Me and (quarterback Jay Cutler) still have a connection. We still have a great relationship."

Offensive lineman Nick Becton (elbow) was the only addition to the injury list.

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