Wilson's risky repeat catch the highlight of practice

BOURBONNAIS - Marquess Wilson's fully extended, one-handed catch for a touchdown on a deep sideline route was the highlight of Monday's hot, muggy practice.

It might even have exceeded the diving, lay-out grab he made in camp almost exactly a year ago that left him with a fractured clavicle, causing him to miss the first 9 games.

Until that point, Wilson, a seventh-round pick in 2013, appeared on the verge of a breakout season.

"He's had a productive camp," said wide receivers coach Mike Groh, one of just three holdovers from Marc Trestman's staff. "He's really kind of picked up where he was last summer."

Wilson returned from his injury last season to catch 17 passes for 140 yards.

"That's a difficult circumstance for anybody, particularly when you're going to take some shots to the shoulder and things like that," Groh said. "It's as much mental, going out there and playing in a game.

"I'm pleased with his progress. He's a guy that we believe has enough skills to be a productive player for us in this offense and in this system."

Living in the present:

Offensive right tackle Jordan Mills' 2014 season was inconsistent at best.

He missed 3 games because of foot and rib injuries and did not progress from a 2013 season in which the fifth-round pick started all 16 games as a rookie.

But none of that matters to the new coaching staff, especially offensive line coach Dave Magazu, who is in his 13th straight season as a member of John Fox's staff.

"I look at what we put on tape (now)," Magazu said. "Every player and every coach is evaluated every day. We'll make decisions off of that. Last year is last year. I wasn't here last year. I don't really care what happened last year.

"He's trying to produce this year. I tip my hat to the guy. He works hard. He comes to work every single day. He's focused. Time will tell - for everybody."

Ego boost:

Ego Ferguson's 2014 rookie season wasn't bad, but it wasn't exceptional for a second-round pick.

He played in all 16 games and had 27 tackles and 2 sacks playing in the defensive-tackle rotation.

Now, Ferguson is playing outside in the new 3-4 defense, he's lost 15 pounds, down to 295, and he appears poised to take another step in his development.

"His suddenness and his knock-back (ability)," defensive line coach Jay Rodgers said when asked what has impressed him about Ferguson.

"His maturity has really taken to another level, so there are going to be some good things happening for Ego.

"You see a guy a lot more focused, a lot more detailed in what he's doing. In meetings he asks good questions and then takes that and relates it to what his responsibilities are on the field."

Injury update:

Eight-year veteran cornerback Tracy Porter stepped in front of a Jimmy Clausen pass in 11-on-11 for an interception that he returned for what would have been a touchdown.

Porter, who's competing for a starting job, left later in the practice with a tight hamstring, but coach John Fox said "he should be fine."

Offensive lineman Michael Ola (knee) was back on the field after missing three practices.

Linebacker Pernell McPhee was back as well after missing Saturday's practice (coaches' decision) at Soldier Field.