Back from practice squad, WR Gentry looks to reconnect with Trubisky
Undrafted rookie Tanner Gentry is back on the Bears' 53-man roster after being promoted from the practice squad, and with Markus Wheaton (groin) out for Sunday's game, the Wyoming product is one of just four healthy wide receivers.
Gentry was active in Week 2 and caught 2 passes for 27 yards against the Buccaneers at Tampa but then returned to the practice squad. The Bears released veteran wide receiver Deonte Thompson to make room for the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Gentry.
"We just felt like it was time to get Tanner an opportunity, and that was the move we made," coach John Fox said. "He's a smart guy. He knows the offense. He understands it.
"He's been here since the off-season, but he keeps catching our eye. He's been productive."
Gentry and then-backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky developed a rapport during training camp, including a 49-yard TD pass, so the rookie quarterback is looking forward to becoming reacquainted on the field.
"Tanner's a great player," Trubisky said. "He knows how to go up and get the ball. He's a good vertical threat and has shown what he can do, and they've given him a great opportunity this week just bringing him up.
"We've developed good chemistry ever since rookie minicamp just throwing with each other and being on the same page. We just need to continue to get better chemistry with the whole group moving forward and being on the same page.
"The more reps we can get, the better we'll be as a group."
Free to create:
Despite his best efforts, rookie Tarik Cohen found little running room in Week 5, managing just 13 yards on 6 carries, catching 1 pass for minus-1 yard and returning 4 punts for 25 yards and one kickoff for 14 yards.
At times it seemed Cohen spent as much time and energy running east-west as north-south. But his pinball style of running has produced a spiffy 5.4-yard average, so coaches are loath to tinker with his innate ability to create.
"There's a fine line because you don't want to take the best part of him away," offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains said. "He's had success doing it (his way), so we're just going to keep telling him to trust the play, let the play come to you. Don't try to create the touchdown every time.
"Same as a punt returner. Trust your reads, and if the ball takes you back (across the field), then you go back there. But if not, if the play designed is to go left, push your landmark, push your read until you can't."
Added responsibility:
With the Tuesday release of wide receiver Deonte Thompson, backup running back Benny Cunningham is expected to take over the kickoff-return duties.
Cunningham has 2 returns for 48 yards this season. In his previous four seasons, all with the Rams, he averaged 27.3 yards on 96 kickoff returns.
The 5-foot-10, 217-pound Cunningham also has 6 carries for 30 yards this season and 5 catches for 66 yards, including a 38-yard TD reception last week from punter Pat O'Donnell.
Thompson averaged 20.8 yards on 11 kickoff returns in the first five games.
Injury report:
Wide receiver Markus Wheaton (groin) and inside linebacker John Timu (ankle/knee) did not practice and are out for Sunday's game.
Wheaton, who had appendectomy and broken finger during training camp, was injured running a route during Thursday's practice.
Guard Kyle Long (ankle) and cornerback Marcus Cooper (back) were full participants and are expected to play. Inside linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (chest) and center Hroniss Grasu (hand) were limited and are questionable.
For the Ravens, guard Max Skura (knee) is out, defensive tackle Brandon Williams (foot) is doubtful. Both are starters. Three other starters are questionable: defensive tackle Carl Davis (thigh) and wide receivers Jeremy Maclin (shoulder) and Breshad Perriman (knee).
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