Tillman back at work after his 'demotion'
Cornerback Charles Tillman, who was absent from most of the voluntary workouts before this week, lined up with the second team Friday morning in a temporary "demotion."
He also was on the right side instead of his customary left side.
Zackary Bowman and Tim Jennings, who was cut by the Indianapolis Colts in the off-season, lined up with the first team.
But Tillman's "demotion" didn't last long. He was back with the ones in the afternoon, though still on the right side, and he's still the starter, as he has been since his rookie season in 2003.
"There's no second or first team right now," coach Lovie Smith said. "There's a starting rotation that you have. It's kind of based on who's been here the most right now.
"When some of the players haven't been here the entire time, you don't know exactly what type of condition they're in, and you have to get them out here and see.
"Charles Tillman is one of our guys. Every day that I've been here, that's been the case, and that won't change."
The Bears will practice twice again Saturday before concluding their only full-team minicamp with a solo practice Sunday.
Walking wounded: There were several notable absences from the practice field Friday at Halas Hall when the Bears conducted the first two of their five weekend practices.
Defensive tackle Tommie Harris did not participate in the morning, but he was back during the afternoon session.
Newly acquired tight end Brandon Manumaleuna was a spectator after having arthroscopic knee surgery five weeks ago. He's expected to be at 100 percent well before the start of training camp.
Defensive tackle Marcus Harrison was held out from both practices with an illness but could be back Saturday.
Wide receiver Earl Bennett was limited in team activities after recent arthroscopic knee surgery, but he did most of the individual work.
Center Olin Kreutz, who is coming back from off-season Achilles surgery, will not practice during the minicamp but is expected to be back on the field in time for training camp.
Linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee) practiced in the morning but not in the afternoon session, and linebacker Nick Roach was limited in both practices.
Family feud: Coach Lovie Smith weighed in on the Gale Sayers-Brian Urlacher war of words that already has been blown out of proportion since Sayers criticized the lack of success of recent Bears teams.
"Those are guys in the Bear family," Smith said. "When you're in a family, ideally you would like to keep things in, but when you're in the Bear family, no one in the Bear family is happy with where we are right now.
"That's why you need minicamps and things like that. Our football team is better, and when we play better this year everybody will be happy."
The Bears have missed the playoffs the past three seasons. But they missed the playoffs in all seven of Sayers' seasons, compiling a cumulative record of 41-54-3.