Bears' Callahan, LeBlanc battling for start at nickel corner

Bryce Callahan and Cre'Von LeBlanc are waging a spirited battle for the top nickel corner position.

Both played well at nickel last season and also started multiple games outside, although their limited size makes them more effective in the slot.

The 5-foot-9, 188-pound Callahan started five games at nickel and five other games on the outside. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound LeBlanc started once at nickel and eight times outside.

"They're two very competitive guys," defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. "I don't think they need each other to push each other because they are competitive guys. If you're going to be a little bit undersized, you better be a competitor, and both of them are. They're both doing a good job."

Callahan started Thursday night and had a key tackle late in the first quarter that stopped Broncos wide receiver Jordan Taylor two yards short of a first down and kept Denver out of field goal range.

Let's get physical:

Rookie safety Eddie Jackson has already proven that he can track the deep ball, making two interceptions on long passes last week.

But that was a given after Jackson picked off 6 passes as a junior at Alabama. The fourth-round pick was looking to prove some other aspects of his game Thursday night.

"That I can be really physical, that I'm a good tackler in the open field, and that I can come downhill and play the run," Jackson said. "Also that I can play the ball as well. But I just want to show them I can play the run; I can play in the box."

A little deeper:

With veterans Victor Cruz and Kendall Wright, in addition to first-year player Daniel Braverman, the Bears are deeper at slot receiver than a year ago, and they have some versatility.

"Victor and Kendall can both play outside, but are slots," offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains said. "I think we've created some competition in the slot with Braverman as well."

Wright won't win many foot races, but he knows how to get open.

"He has football savvy," Loggains said. "When you look at him - and he won't mind me saying this - he's not fast. He just has a great feel to run twist routes and option routes and be able to get open and sit in zones. That's what always has made him a good slot and a productive player in this league."

Wright had a 14-yard reception from Mike Glennon late in the first quarter.

All the throws:

While there are questions about how quickly rookie quarterback Mitch Trubisky can master the playbook and run the Bears' offense, there aren't any doubts about his physical skills.

"One of the things we evaluate is the arc and base of each throw," offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains said. "In this league, you have to make the deep ball and the underneath throw. Mitch has every club. Every club is in his bag."

Down and out:

Ten Bears did not dress Thursday night, including guard Kyle Long (ankle) and wide receivers Titus Davis (hamstring), Markus Wheaton (appendectomy) and Daniel Braverman (quad). Quarterback Connor Shaw is still sidelined after having a screw removed from his leg that was fractured last preseason, and running back Jeremy Langford remains out with a sprained ankle.

Also not suiting up were linebackers Danny Trevathan (knee) and Lamarr Houston (knee) and safeties Harold Jones-Quartey (ankle) and Rashaad Reynolds.

Linebacker Willie Young (groin) and cornerback Marcus Cooper (hamstring) started.

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