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Chalk Talk

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Chalk Talk: Will Cole Kmet's role expand?

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.

After constantly hearing how quickly rookie tight end Cole Kmet picked up the offense, I was surprised he didn't play more against the Lions. Do you think his role will expand?
Eddie P.
Homer Glen, Illinois

Coach Matt Nagy said this week that he expects Cole Kmet's playing time to gradually increase moving forward. The second-round pick from Notre Dame played 31 percent of the offense's snaps (20 of 65) in last Sunday's season-opening win over the Lions. Veterans Jimmy Graham and Demetrius Harris played 52 and 26 snaps, respectively. Here's what Nagy said about Kmet this week: "Production and stat line, there wasn't a whole lot there. For the amount of times he played and when he was in there, it was a good mix not to overdo it. There's going to be a balance of having Jimmy, Demetrius, Cole and J.P. Holtz and others, of trying to understand where they're at. At the end of the game, you're in a little more two-minute [offense] because you're down 17 points, so that changes [things] a little bit. But I think you'll slowly see his role increase. It just is going to take a little bit of time."

Are the Bears going to have Cairo Santos practice kicking at Soldier Field during the week leading up to a home game? I know that other Bears kickers have done that in the past.
Walt P.
Chicago

Yes, Bears special-teams coordinator Chris Tabor revealed Thursday during a video call with the media that Cairo Santos will, in fact, practice kicking at Soldier Field on Friday. Replacing the injured Eddy Piñeiro, Santos made all five kicks he attempted against the Lions, making 35- and 28-yard field goals and three extra points.

I don't think that David Montgomery received enough credit for not only playing in the season opener, but performing well. The groin injury he suffered in practice looked really bad. (I saw it replayed on the local Chicago news.) Do you agree with me?
Paul K.
Ankeny, Iowa

I completely agree with you, Paul. Watching David Montgomery rush for 64 yards on 13 carries in Detroit, there was zero evidence that he had suffered any type of injury. He ran with speed, power and determination. Here's what running backs coach Charles London said about Montgomery earlier this week: "Once that injury occurred, his main focus was getting ready for [the season opener]. That's all he talked about: 'I have to play Week 1, I have to play Week 1.' He did everything that he had to do to be ready for that. He did his rehab. He spent a lot of time in the film room because he wasn't practicing. He spent a lot of time watching Detroit, watching their front and watching runs that were successful against Detroit. I thought he did a really good job of preparing himself for the game without being able to practice for a lot of that time, and that's really a testament to him and his growth in Year 2 and his professionalism."

Chalk Talk features fan questions multiple times each week. Email your question to Larry.

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