Marinelli: Healthy Urlacher huge

Rod Marinelli, who was promoted after last season from defensive line coach to defensive coordinator, talks about things like mental toughness, tempo, pace and being physical when he discusses what needs to improve on that side of the ball this year.

But, when it comes to individuals, Marinelli says a healthy Brian Urlacher at middle linebacker for 16 games can be a huge difference maker.

"The first thing he brings is a presence into the huddle and a confidence," Marinelli said of the 11th-year veteran who suffered a season-ending dislocated wrist in Game One last season. "Not that 92 (backup Hunter Hillenmeyer) didn't. That's a heck of a middle linebacker, too.

"But Brian is a physical player now. He is very physical, knows exactly what to do, all those things. He brings that presence, that hitting presence, and that veteran presence."

That presence is still appreciated by Bears fans, 26,371 of whom showed up to watch Friday night's practice at Soldier Field, and some of their loudest appluase was reserved for Urlacher.

Louis looking good: Guard Lance Louis, last year's seventh-round pick, did not set foot on the field during the 2009 regular season, but he's getting a long look during training camp, even taking some snaps with the first team.

That look continued Friday night, when Louis took almost every snap at right guard with the first team, where Roberto Garza has started the last 64 games.

"He's one of the guy's that's competing," coach Lovie Smith said of Louis. "We like what he did in the off-season, He's got a lot of ability, good speed, good knee-bender, and he can play with power. He'll get an opportunity. He's looked good in some of these drills. It'll be good to get him in that first preseason game and see where he is."

Garza has been getting snaps at left guard with the first team, and that was the case Friday night as well.

According to offensive line coach Mike Tice, only Olin Kreutz at center and Chris Williams at left tackle are assured starting jobs, so there is more opportunity than usual for young players like Louis.

"I just think it's a great opportunity to go in there and mix it up with the ones and get the feel of that faster pace," Louis said. "I think it's a great experience."

Tice has been impressed by Louis' ability to jump in and compete with seasoned veterans, and the 6-foot-3, 305-pounder from San Diego State said he's trying to keep it all in perspective.

"I try not to make it more than what it is," Louis said. "It's just a game, and I've been playing it all my life, so it's just another opportunity."

Josh Beekman started training camp as the No. 1 left guard, but he took most of his snaps Friday night as the second-team right guard, with Johan Asiata handling left guard with the twos.

Louis said he'd be happy playing either spot.

"I just want to help the team wherever they put me," he said. "They could put me at fullback; it doesn't even matter."

Presence felt: Seeing is believing: By now, everyone knows Julius Peppers is difficult to block, but Bears offensive left tackle Chris Williams knows it better than anyone, considering he has to battle the five-time Pro Bowl defensive end every day in practice.

"He's so tough to block because he's as quick as any guy we've got, but he's (almost) 300 pounds," said the 6-foot-6, 315-pound Williams. "His arms are long and, I mean, he's kind of a mutant. Every play he's got something different and he does a good job of feeding off of me, so if I make a mistake, he's going to take (advantage of) it, and that's what the good ones do."

Injury update: Tight ends Kellen Davis (back) and Brandon Manumaleuna (knee) missed Friday night's practice with injuries that aren't considered serious.

Safety Chris Harris returned to the practice field for the first time since the camp-opening practice, when he suffered a strained back. Wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias dressed for the first time since suffering a quad injury early in camp, although he didn't participate in team drills.

Safety Major Wright (groin) did not practice again, but he is running at close to full speed and should be back soon. Safety Josh Bullocks sat out with a lower-leg injury.