Bears' Robinson on pace to start playing
BOURBONNAIS - WR Allen Robinson, the Bears' big-ticket pickup in free agency, did not play in the first two preseason games, but he continues an impressive recovery from a torn ACL in September.
Robinson is anxious to play Saturday against the Broncos, and he may see some action in Denver, although coach Matt Nagy is not close to deciding how much work his starters will get. Robinson has looked at or close to full speed throughout training camp, and he's on pace to start the regular-season opener. The Bears have been patient, giving the former Pro Bowler occasional practices off and not rushing him back, so their rehab plan appears to be working.
"It feels great," Robinson said of his surgically repaired left knee. "I'm very appreciative of them for that (patience), as far as looking out for me and my best interests. Each and every day, I've been able to come out here and compete at a high level and not have any setbacks. I think it's a true testament to them, as well, as far as looking after me and helping me out.
"They know I want to go (in Saturday's game), but it's just about being smart. They've had a plan for me, and I trust their plan, and I've trusted their plan since the day I signed here, and it's worked out. I'll just continue to trust whatever situation they want to put me in and how they want to take it. They have my best interests, and they know what's best for me."
Still no Roquan
On the final day at Olivet Nazarene University, Matt Nagy had no news to report on the continued absence of unsigned first-round pick Roquan Smith, but the Bears' coach was asked if, by missing the entire training camp, it would limit what the linebacker can contribute in Week One.
"Yeah, I would say so," Nagy said. "I think it does (limit him). You're playing at that (ILB) position, and there are a lot of calls that go on, very similar to a quarterback, there's a lot going on. But I have full confidence in (defensive coordinator) Vic (Fangio) and his staff that when he does get here, they'll get him up to speed and whenever that is, we'll see. That's why we all get paid as coaches is to try to help our players out as much as possible, and that's kind of where we're at."
Injury update
WR Javon Wims, C Hroniss Grasu and OLB Isaiah Irving returned to practice on Sunday and they were joined by veteran RB Knile Davis, who was signed late Saturday night.
But WRs Taylor Gabriel, Demarcus Ayers and Josh Bellamy, CBs Prince Amukamra, Cre'Von LeBlanc and Rashard Fant, S Deon Bush, RB Benny Cunningham, FB Michael Burton, OLBs Josh Woods and Aaron Lynch, OG Kyle Long and TE Dion Sims did not practice.
• Bob LeGere is a senior writer at Pro Football Weekly. Follow Bob's Bears reports on Twitter @BobLeGere or @PFWeekly.