Kevin Toliver looked like the first in line to replace Prince Amukamara when the Bears decided to cut the veteran cornerback after last season.
Toliver, signed as an undrafted free agent from LSU in 2018, started against the Cowboys in place of an injured Amukamara in Week 14 and split time with him against the Packers, Chiefs and Vikings in the final month of the season — and appeared to pass the audition.
But then the Bears took Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson in the second round of the draft.
“Oh yeah, I was motivated a lot [by that],” said Toliver, rated one of the top 10 players in the country coming out of high school in 2015. “I always had a chip on my shoulder since I’ve been here. It’s just a competition thing. I’m not afraid of competition.”
That’s a good thing, because the Bears gave Toliver plenty of competition in the offseason. Not only did they draft Johnson as the eventual replacement for Amukamara, but they also signed former CFL cornerback Tre Roberson and former Steelers first-round draft pick Artie Burns in free agency. In fact, with Johnson recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, Burns opened training camp with the first-team defense. When Burns suffered a torn ACL in the second padded practice Tuesday, Toliver replaced him.
At this point, it seems like only a matter of time before Johnson is healthy and ready to assume the starting job. Unless Toliver can convince the coaching staff otherwise.
“That’s up to Kevin,” secondary coach Deshea Townsend said. “One thing I talked to him about is the mental part of the game. That’s the part of the game that separates you and that’s up to him.”
The Skrine option
The Bears have given nickel back Buster Skrine reps on the outside in practice and — especially considering the Bears aren’t sold on Toliver — he could be an option if Johnson isn’t ready.
“He’s capable of playing outside,” Townsend said. “He’s a fantastic player. He plays the game the right way. He’s gonna give you his all every day — that’s all you can ask for. Buster is a true defensive back that sometimes gets type-cast as a nickel.”
Quinn ramping up
Outside linebacker Robert Quinn did not participate in team drills again Thursday, but he is not injured, coach Matt Nagy said. Like Khalil Mack, Quinn is being eased into full practice participation.
“Just a complete ramp-up,” Nagy said. “For [Quinn], he’s at a point where we just feel like we want to do that. You’ll start seeing him more and more. We’re really excited for what he’s gonna bring to this defense. The same with Khalil.”
Bears sign Rodney Adams
The Bears put Burns on injured reserve and signed former Vikings receiver Rodney Adams.
A fifth-round draft pick from South Florida in 2017, Adams spent his rookie season on the practice squad. The Colts signed him in 2018, but he opted to retire prior to the season.
