:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/52405335/usa_today_9044478.0.jpeg)
Well that seemed like a gigantic waste of time.
When Chicago Bears corner Kyle Fuller went under the knife way back in August, it was believed to be a simple procedure to his knee. But then his availability kept dragging on, and on, and then the Bears placed him on injured reserve on September 27th, meaning he’d miss at least the next eight games.
The Bears elected to bring him back in November, opening up the 21 day window for him to practice, but he was never able to prove to the team that he was all the way from his knee injury.
Notice I say he wasn’t able to ‘prove’ to the team, and not his knee wasn’t healed, because as our own Robert Zeglinski wrote about last night, Fuller was medically cleared, he just didn’t seem ready to the coaches.
Perhaps Fuller sees the writing on the wall that as a guy drafted by the old Tampa 2 regime, he has no real place in Vic Fangio’s defense.
It’s hard to question a players heart, but what would you question in this situation?
Head coach John Fox also said today that wide out Kevin White has not been medically cleared from his injury and that activating him was never really an option anyway.
In other injury news, Eddie Goldman, Cornelius Washington and Willie Young did not practice. Ka’Deem Carey, Deonte Thompson, Bobby Massie, Pernell McPhee, Tracy Porter, Johnthan Banks, Cre’Von LeBlanc and Bryce Callahan were all limited.
Offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains also met the media today and quarterback Matt Barkley was the hot topic.
Loggains calls Barkley's arm strength "solid" #Bears @foxkickoff
— EvanFitzgerald Fox32 (@EvanWFitzgerald) December 21, 2016
This stat I came across on Twitter seems to back that last tweet up.
Average air yards thru Week 15 @erik_clausen pic.twitter.com/3sauxWFqaO
— Scott Kacsmar (@FO_ScottKacsmar) December 21, 2016
#Bears OC Dowell Loggains on QB Matt Barkley: "He doesn't play like a young guy."
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) December 21, 2016
#Bears OC Dowell Loggains on QB Barkley: "I think he's playing faster each week. He's getting a better feel for his teammates each week."
— Larry Mayer (@LarryMayer) December 21, 2016
Dowell Loggains said Matt Barkley “didn’t listen to his feet” on his interception up the middle.
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) December 21, 2016
"He's instinctive in the pocket and he does have good feet," said Dowell Loggains of Matt Barkley. "It's a trait that's god-given." #Bears
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) December 21, 2016
Loggains on Barkley's ability to rebound in the fourth quarter after rough 3rd: "It shows a lot about perseverance and who the kid is."
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) December 21, 2016
#Bears OC Dowell Loggains - RT Bobby Massie "has played better" second half of season - has gotten more comfortable in offense
— John Mullin (@CSNMoonMullin) December 21, 2016
EDIT: Kyle Fuller spoke with the media today.
Kyle Fuller says it's disappointing because he's wants to be out there but he "has to listen to his body." #Bears
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) December 21, 2016
Asked if he wants to be a Bear next year, Kyle Fuller simply said: "Yes."
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) December 21, 2016
Kyle Fuller says he thinks he's still in the plans for next year. #Bears
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) December 21, 2016