Today Bears players went through physicals and conditioning tests in Bourbonnais.
WR/KR Devin Hester had lots to say about his plans for the upcoming season with the offense.
The speedy return man and receiver will have a package geared towards his strengths this season in Mike Tice’s offense.
My biggest thing is when I catch the ball, (I want to) accelerate and make guys miss, Hester said via ESPNChicago.com. That’s my biggest goal this year: when I get my hands on the ball I want to just explode out and I want to make two or three guys miss before I go down. If it’s only two out there, then I want to score.
WR Johnny Knox wasn’t expected to contribute this season due to the devastating vertebra injury he suffered last year. The Bears announced today that Knox will start training camp on the active physically-unable-to-perform list.
While being on the active the PUP, he can be activated at any time to start camp. If he starts the season on PUP, which seems likely as of now, he will have to miss the first six weeks.
Honestly, (there have) been days where I’ve been down, Knox said via ESPNChicago.com. But for the most part, I always stay positive, stay motivated. That’s why I’m out here today getting better. It means a lot to me (to be around teammates). Even though I’m injured, I’m so excited to come down here and be around the guys all day, every day, and just focus on just strictly rehabbing.
LB Brian Urlacher is making it known that he is ready to go this season and that his knee won’t be a problem. He seems to be excited for what’s to come this season.
I think we have the talent now to reach our expectations, he said via Chicagotribune.com. We always say it, but I really think we can do it this year. We added Brandon Marshall, Michael Bush. Our defense is healthy again, which is a big deal for us. Jay (Cutler) is back healthy.
Lastly, QB Jay Cutler feels very comfortable with Mike Tice and Jeremy Bates running the show.
The addition of WR Brandon Marshall and the return of a healthy and happy RB Matt Forte will only help the entire offense.
Tice’s sole objective is to put guys in position to be successful, Cutler said via Chicagotribune.com. He wants to attack defenses and do it smartly, but find ways where we can put our best player against one of their worst players. And that’s something we’re going to strive to do week-in and week-out.
Everyone’s comfortable, Cutler said. Obviously, there’s still a lot of work to do with training camp. We need to take that next step as an offense.’
More news to come Thursday when the Bears practice for the first time this training camp at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbannais.
Jake Perper is the owner and head writer for Bearsbacker.com. Follow him on Twitter, @Bearsbacker and on Facebook for up to the minute news about the Bears.
