Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
Is receiver Kevin White participating in this week's minicamp? I'm really hoping that he can stay healthy this year and finally become a regular contributor.
Evan H.
Dolton, Illinois
Yes, receiver Kevin White is participating in the Bears' voluntary veteran minicamp this week at Halas Hall and even caught head coach Matt Nagy's eye in the first practice Tuesday. After the workout, Nagy told reporters that "Kevin right now I thought looked sharp. He played fast. He showed strong hands. He's a big, physical guy. He did a good job." Here's hoping that White, who has missed 43 of 48 games due to three separate injuries in his first three seasons with the Bears, can remain healthy this year. He certainly would be a nice addition to an offense that could use as many playmakers as possible, especially at the wide receiver position.
Is there anything to the rumors that the Bears are trying to trade running back Jordan Howard? I've heard that he isn't a good fit in the new offense. What do you think?
Steve G.
Hammond, Indiana
Jordan Howard addressed those rumors Tuesday, telling reporters that the Bears "had no plans to trade me or anything like that, so that's comforting." Coach Matt Nagy followed by saying that Howard "absolutely" would be the Bears' feature back this season, though the team plans to utilize other backs as well, including dynamic second-year pro Tarik Cohen. Said Nagy: "[Howard] is going to be a guy that lines up and gets the ball. But at the same time, we're crazy if we use one back. That's not going to happen. We're going to use multiple backs." In terms of Howard not fitting into the offense, I think a lot of that talk stems from the fact that he's not the best pass catcher out of the backfield. Asked if Howard doesn't fit the offense because of that, Nagy said: "I wouldn't say that, no. I think every running back has their own strengths and weaknesses. There are some that are better as pass receivers. There are some that are better inside, tight zones and mid zones and outside zones. Jordan has his own way of running. Anything that he does that's a weakness, we're going to try to focus on that and try to get it better. Just because he struggles in one area, whatever that is that we all have, we're going to get him better. To sit there and say he doesn't fit this offense I don't think is very fair."
When do the Bears start training camp?
Phillip P.
Chicago, Illinois
The Bears will report to Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais on Thursday, July 19 and practice for the first time on Friday, July 20. They are beginning training camp a week earlier than usual because they are playing in the Hall of Fame Game Aug. 2 against the Baltimore Ravens. A training camp schedule with practice dates and times will be released at a later date.
