Urlacher, Cutler trade jerseys as Bears break camp in Bourbonnais smiling, but injuries linger

Bears trade jerseys, break camp smiling

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — Chicago Bears star linebacker Brian Urlacher and new quarterback Jay Cutler had to shoot down reports of a rift when training camp opened. On Thursday, they took the practice field wearing each other’s jerseys.

Players up and down the roster swapped jerseys on the final day at Olivet Nazarene University in a close-of-camp rite. Seeing No. 54 taking snaps from center took some getting used to for everyone.

“I had a little bit of trouble at first seeing Urlacher in Cutler’s,” coach Lovie Smith said. “They kind of look alike, both of them big stature. But you know, that’s the tradition with our players right now. There’s nothing like the last day of training camp for the players and of course the coaches.”

Players said the team came away from the Bourbonnais portion of camp with better understanding between Cutler and his new offensive teammates.

“I think guys got accustomed to one another pretty quickly,” tight end Greg Olson said. “I think that was the main thing for camp and now we have to kind of just get into game situations and continue to learn and continue to grow and get ready for that season opener.”

Cutler’s first training camp since Chicago acquired him from Denver for Kyle Orton and draft picks ended with his new coach expecting better results in Saturday’s game against the New York Giants than in the preseason opener against Buffalo. Cutler went 5-of-10 for 64 yards with an interception against the Bills.

“I feel like our passing game has really improved since we’ve gotten down here,” Smith said. “Jay, of course, getting to know his receivers, his receivers getting a chance to know him.”

Camp didn’t end on an entirely upbeat note. Injuries in the secondary have made it difficult to gauge how the Bears will be defending the pass.

Starting cornerback Charles Tillman (back) and backup cornerback Zack Bowman (hamstring) remain sidelined. Tillman has missed all of camp. Starting safety Danieal Manning also has been out two weeks with a pulled hamstring but Smith said he’s given no thought to abandoning plans to start Manning in the season opener.

“We have three preseason games left, so there’s a lot of time to work those guys in there,” Smith said.

In the meantime, rookie Al Afalava continues to work at strong safety and regular strong safety Kevin Payne is playing free safety. Corey Graham takes Manning’s place as nickel back in passing situations.

Players bolted the field at the final practice whistle Thursday, not wanting to stop for reporters or autograph seekers. Some already had pulled up their cars close to the locker room area for a quick getaway.

“I like my home, I like my bed also,” Smith said. “I haven’t seen my wife in a long time it seems like. This phase is good, but it’s always good to get back to Halas Hall and go from there.”