Chicago Bears coach Matt Eberflus had a concise response Tuesday when requested about attendance at Tuesday’s organized crew exercise at Halas Hall.
“We’ll coach the guys who are here,” Eberflus stated. “That’s really all I can say.”
Not current was a handful of anticipated starters, together with cornerback Jaylon Johnson, guard Nate Davis, huge receiver Darnell Mooney and security Eddie Jackson.
Mooney and Jackson are working again from the season-ending accidents they suffered in Week 12 final yr. Mooney fractured his left ankle within the Bears’ Nov. 27 loss to the New York Jets, whereas Jackson injured the Lisfranc ligament in his left foot. Mooney wanted surgical procedure; Jackson didn’t.
Eberflus appeared optimistic concerning the restoration of each gamers.
“They’re progressing,” he stated. “All I can say is that they’re progressing right along with where they’re supposed to be. It’s all positive and we expect them back soon. When they’re back, they’re back.”
As for Johnson and Davis, Eberflus gave no indication why both participant opted out of this week’s OTA practices.
“This is a voluntary time for all the players,” Eberflus stated. “Some players have certain things going on. It’s their right to be in here or not.”
The Bears signed Davis to a three-year, $30 million deal in the course of the first wave of free company, and he’s projected to begin at proper guard. His means to jell together with his fellow offensive line starters can be key because the Bears make their method towards coaching camp.
Johnson’s scenario could also be price retaining a more in-depth eye on as he heads into the ultimate yr of his rookie contract with aspirations of securing an extension earlier than the season.
Eberflus left open the likelihood that Johnson may select to skip all 10 OTAs over the subsequent three weeks.
“It’s just a voluntary deal,” he stated. “That is the way it is with the (collective bargaining agreement). There’s nothing you can do to get upset about it. Guys choose to be here or choose not to.”
Eberflus was requested immediately whether or not he had readability on Johnson’s plans for obligatory minicamp subsequent month. Johnson would incur fines if he selected to not take part in that camp, which runs from June 13-15.
“I’m not going to comment on that,” Eberflus stated. “We talked about that. But ask him when you see him.”
Johnson missed the voluntary “new coach” minicamp the Bears held within the spring of 2022 and wound up operating with the second-unit protection quickly when he returned to OTAs just a few weeks later.
But that was a short-lived and inconsequential hiccup. Johnson remained a dependable standout on the protection final season and earned the boldness of Eberflus and defensive coordinator Alan Williams.
This week’s absence may show insignificant as effectively. But after the Bears bumped into an uncomfortable contract squabble with standout linebacker Roquan Smith final offseason — which prompted Smith to stage a coaching camp “hold-in” and finally contributed to the choice to commerce him midseason — nothing could be taken with no consideration at Halas Hall.
After what occurred with Smith final yr, Eberflus was requested whether or not he had considerations one thing related may bubble up with Johnson.
“I don’t see it that way,” he stated.
For now, Eberflus will do as he promised. He’ll coach the gamers in attendance throughout this voluntary part of the offseason program whereas eagerly awaiting the return of those that aren’t.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com