Aug. 12--Position battle: Backup tight end
Dante Rosario's versatility has carried over to this coaching staff from the last. He can do everything from lining up as a fullback to splitting wide and running pass routes to covering punts. As a second tight end, that's particularly valuable. If he can contribute as a receiver during exhibition games, that would solidify his role. On Tuesday, Jay Cutler threw a pass slightly behind him in the flat, and Rosario failed to secure the catch. Realistically, the crowded tight end competition begins behind him.
In red zone drills Tuesday, Bear Pascoe sealed off outside linebacker David Bass to open a running lane for Jeremy Langford's 8-yard touchdown run. Pascoe stayed low off the ball and got his hips around to finish the block. Keep an eye on Pascoe's production as compared to Zach Miller's in Thursday's exhibition game.
Seen and heard
Cornerback Tim Jennings confirmed he had minor arthroscopic surgery on one of his knees during the offseason. "It's been a process," Jennings said. "Throughout OTAs it was a little rough, but out here in training camp it's feeling a little better. I'm moving around a lot better. Now it's just getting back into the feel of the game, what the coaches want from you, learning the defense."
Jennings could see time in the slot during exhibition games, but he has made it clear he prefers to play on the outside. "I'm a corner," he said emphatically.
Hurry up
The Bears spent much of Monday and Tuesday's practices working on specific situations, particularly those at the end of games. Those are always lively periods, and they're extremely important for a set of new coaches and players.
During hurry-up series at the end of practice, kicker Robbie Gould helped the offense by making field goals from 50, 43 and 55 yards. Quarterback Jimmy Clausen spread the ball around on a touchdown drive in a matchup of second-stringers, getting rid of it quickly, targeting the sidelines to manage the clock and not taking dangerous chances in the middle of the field.
Injury report
CB Tracy Porter (hamstring) did not practice.
OLB Jared Allen (excused absence) did not practice.
WR Kevin White (shin) remains on the physically unable to perform list.
QB David Fales remains on the non-football illness list.
Camp schedule
Wednesday: Off.
Thursday: Exhibition game vs. Dolphins, 7 p.m., Soldier Field.
Friday: Off.
-- Rich Campbell
