Trubisky still learning the ropes, may see preseason play time
BOURBONNAIS - Even though rookie quarterback Mitch Trubisky was the second overall selection in the draft, he is far from a finished product despite his arm strength and mobility.
"The biggest area has been just understanding the offense, understanding what NFL defenses look like, and to start to be able to read coverages," offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains said. "It's a lot for a guy who has never taken a snap in pads under center. And (defensive coordinator Vic) Fangio does a great job and runs more coverages than anyone in the NFL. So, to see him get exposure to all that and be able to get as many reps as he's gotten has been tremendous."
The Bears open the preseason Thursday at 7 p.m. at Soldier Field against the Denver Broncos, but Trubisky's preseason play time has yet to be decided.
"We haven't gotten that far with our discussions yet," Loggains said. "Obviously those are coming quickly, but we haven't gotten to that point yet, and coach (John) Fox and (G.M.) Ryan (Pace) will have a big say in that."
Out of retirement?
Coach John Fox was asked about rumors that former Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, who is currently retired, could be headed to Miami to rejoin Dolphins head coach Adam Gase and replace injured Ryan Tannehill.
Gase was the Bears' offensive coordinator in 2015, the best statistical season of Cutler's career.
"I laugh, not that it's out of the blue," Fox said. "I'm not even sure what's going on down there. It doesn't surprise me there's rumblings about anything."
Offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains at first said "I have no comment on that." But pressed a bit, Loggains said: "Jay Cutler is extremely talented. He could do whatever he wanted to do."
Cutler is currently employed as a Fox-TV color analyst and is scheduled to work the Bears' nationally televised third preseason game vs. the Tennessee Titans, Aug. 27.
Early returns are in:
Shifty rookie running back Tarik Cohen did not return punts at North Carolina A&T, but he's been getting reps along with Bryce Callaghan, Daniel Braverman and rookie safety Eddie Jackson.
"That's why we drafted him," coach John Fox said of Cohen. "We're going to let him compete. We've got some guys we drafted. We've got some guys coming back. Bryce Callahan missed a lot of time last year, but he's capable in that area. When we get into (preseason) games, those guys will get looks."
Just a tuneup:
No. 4 quarterback Connor Shaw missed Friday's practice because of some hardware issues.
"He had a couple screws put in his (fractured) leg," coach John Fox said of Shaw's injury in the 2016 preseason. "In the off-season, he had one removed (because) it was irritating him. The other one started to pop (out) and irritate him a bit. So we sent him to have that removed. It went well. There's no complications. They just removed the screw."
Cornerback Kyle Fuller continues to be limited by a calf injury. Outside linebacker Willie Young has missed the past two practices with a groin injury and wide receiver Titus Davis (hamstring) has also been out for two practices.
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