Forte jumps right in with first team

Rookie running back Matt Forte worked with the first team at Wednesday's OTA, during which the Bears were short-handed at the position.

Veteran Adrian Peterson, the most experienced ball carrier remaining on the roster after Cedric Benson's release, underwent an appendectomy Monday night.

Peterson is expected to resume normal football activities well before the first training-camp practice July 23.

On Wednesday, Forte, Wolfe and even wide receiver Devin Hester lined up at tailback. The Bears have discussed bringing in another veteran running back but haven't made any decisions yet.

"With Ced gone, obviously the younger guys we have will have an opportunity to get better," said running-backs coach Tim Spencer. "I'm sure that as we go on, we'll talk (about adding another running back). But for right now I'm going to get (reps for) my guys that I have right now."

He's back … for now:ŒPro Bowl linebacker Brian Urlacher practiced Wednesday, his first appearance at a voluntary workout this off-season.

Urlacher has been staying away in hopes of forcing the Bears to fatten his nine-year, $56.65 million contract, which still has four years remaining. He declined to talk to the media after practice, but defensive coordinator Bob Babich was glad to have him back.

"Anytime you're practicing football it's a big plus to have Brian Urlacher out here," Babich said. "He picked up right where he left off from the minicamp. It was good to have our leader out here."

Babich did not know if Urlacher would be back for today's practice or for next week's final three OTA practices.

Getting the drift: If the message about protecting your job by avoiding trouble off the field wasn't clear to any of the Bears, Cedric Benson's release has underscored its importance.

"I think a lot of people already had that message clear," fullback Jason McKie said. "When coach (Lovie) Smith first came here, he said he was going to treat us like real men. He said, 'You've got to be real men on and off the field, and you've got to carry yourself in that way.' So everybody knew what was at stake.

"Anytime you get in trouble, in all different instances, the first person they're going to look at is you because you're an athlete. And nowadays, trouble finds athletes off the field.

"So you've got to be real careful and you've got to be aware of your surroundings and the environment you put yourself in."