All eyes will be on the Bears’ defensive line this year after the team did little to add top-end talent while waiting for Dayo Odeyingbo and Shemar Turner to return from injuries.
Odeyingbo, who tore his Achilles tendon last year, practiced during team drills Wednesday for the second-straight day.
“This is really a bonus for us,” coach Ben Johnson said. “We weren’t quite sure when we started the offseason program that we would get him for any length of time. But the fact that he’s on the field — he wants to be out there — it’s just another step forward in terms of him gaining confidence again.”
Turner’s return timeline remains up in the air. Johnson couldn’t guarantee he’d be ready for training camp after tearing his ACL last year.
“This summer is going to be a big part of it for him,” Johnson said.
Notes
• Tyrique Stevenson practiced Wednesday after appearing to hurt his ankle Tuesday, while fellow cornerback Kyler Gordon remains out with a soft tissue injury. Linebacker D’Marco Jackson remained out after hurting his shoulder Tuesday. Jedrick Wills, who’s competing for the starting left tackle job, returned to practice after missing Tuesday.
• Williams was intercepted by safety Coby Bryant over the middle during practice.
“He didn’t like it,” Bryant said. “I wanted to get him before the end of spring.”
Williams’ best best throw came when he rolled right, leapt and threw a touchdown to Kalif Raymond, who toe-tapped on the far left sideline of the end zone.
• Tight end Sam Roush, the fifth pick of Round 3, remains unsigned. He’s likely waiting for others drafted near him to agree to their deals. The top six picks of his round haven’t yet. Draft pick contracts are codified but agents often haggle over guarantee language. Early third-round picks are pushing for guarantees typically given late second-rounders.