Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of email questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
I was concerned to hear that rookie receiver Kevin White is injured. How long is he expected to be sidelined? I hope the time he misses in camp doesn't stunt his development.
Roger L.
Antioch, Illinois
It doesn't appear that first-round draft pick Kevin White will be out an extended period of time. Though he missed the Bears' first training camp practice Thursday and remains on the physically unable to perform list with a shin injury, coach John Fox said Thursday that White is "day-to-day" and "it's not a long-term problem." Fox added: "Like any injury—a blister could become a long-term problem if you don't treat it right. We're just trying to do the proper treatment and do what's in his best interest. Whatever his best interest is is our best interest." White can be removed from the PUP list at any time.
Will Jeremiah Ratliff play nose tackle or defensive end this season?
Ron T.
Wheeling, West Virginia
That has yet to be determined. I think a lot of it depends on how rookie nose tackle Eddie Goldman and a handful of other young defensive linemen progress during training camp and the preseason. Jeremiah Ratliff said Thursday that he's "not really worried about it" and "wherever I am that day [in practice], that's where I'm going to be." Ratliff explained that the positions require the same technique, but the major difference is that things happen faster at nose tackle than at defensive end.
Do you think that Shea McClellin will make the 53-man roster? He's failed to live up to expectations ever since the Bears drafted him in the first round in 2012.
Ryan G.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Like every player in Bears training camp, linebacker Shea McClellin will be given every opportunity to earn a spot on the final roster. It won't be easy, however, because general manager Ryan Pace and coach John Fox are creating a highly competitive environment at every position. Here's what Fox had to say when he was asked about McClellin after Thursday's practice: "He's learning, just like everybody out there. He's got the skill set to do it. If I had to defend the guy in some fashion, he's been in a lot of different positions and been with a lot of different coaches. Sometimes that can thwart a guy's development. He's done a good job and we're evaluating. He's getting an opportunity to perform and compete every day, so we'll see where it takes us."
