Rededicated Harris to rely on his faith

Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Tommie Harris returned to practice Wednesday on a limited basis, proclaiming himself rededicated to his team, his profession and his faith after last week's suspension for repeated tardiness.

"It feels great," he said after the workout. "You never know how much you miss something until it's taken away from you. I've apologized to my teammates and apologized to my fans, and (I'm) just getting everything together and getting ready for a strong season."

Despite appearing on the injury list again this week, as he has every week because of unspecified problems with his surgical left knee, Harris said he expects to be ready for Sunday's game in Atlanta against the Falcons.

"I'm pushing through it," Harris said, "and once again believing in God and relying on Him."

But Harris said it isn't his decision on if he plays Sunday.

"Ask coach (Lovie) Smith," he said. "That's who makes the decisions."

Despite Harris' persistent complaints about his knee, Smith said he sees no physical reason why Harris cannot return to the same level he played at the past three seasons.

"There's no reason why he can't," Smith said. "He practiced well (Wednesday). He's healthy. So, (is there) a physical condition that would stop him from doing that? I can't say that there is."

Harris also said he knew he was making the mistakes that got him suspended but that he was troubled by personal problems.

"Sometimes in life you just deal with so many different things," he said.

"They come at you at one time, and it gets hard to handle. But I just thank God for this whole experience. It showed me how much I really appreciate what I do."

Last week it was reported that Harris was troubled by a relationship that led to an out-of-wedlock child and by the release of wide receiver Mark Bradley, a teammate on the Bears and at Oklahoma, but the 25-year-old said there was no point in dredging up the particulars that led to his suspension.

"That situation's over with," he said. "I don't think anything would be improved by me going back on what happened. I've forgiven myself for it, and I think that's all that matters in the end."

Harris signed four-year contract extension in June that included $10 million in guaranteed money and is expected to pay him nearly $30 million through 2011. He agreed that he should be held to a higher standard on the field, but not because of the money.

"I don't believe that money should make it different," Harris said. "But I believe because of the talent that I have, (I) should be."

Harris said he's confident that he won't need to be disciplined again.

"I'm relying on Jesus now," he said.

"I think that's something that I took out of my life, or I was going back and forth (in) my relationship with Christ, and I know that's No. 1 in my life. If that's not right with me, then nothing's going to be right - on the field, off the field, regardless."

Harris also denied that any physical problems contributed to his recent frustration.

"It's vice versa," he said. "I think spiritually, that's what led to all that. My conviction is terrible. I carry a lot of stuff. I carry a lot of stress, different things that I know I shouldn't. That's what happens when you disconnect with your source, and I feel like I'm going back to what's worked for me since the beginning. I look forward to seeing you guys Sunday. Just pray for me. Don't talk about me; just pray for me.

"Trust me, it works."

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