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The Chicago Bears are in the middle of Phase 2 of their offseason workout program and today's OTA was open to the media. So just like we did last week on the open media day at practice, we'll drop a few nuggets here to whet your Bears' appetite.
Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery is still staying away from all the voluntary work outs, but that is to be expected as he angles for a deal. Then again, reports from yesterday claim that Jeffery will play out the 2016 season on the franchise tag.
Outside linebacker Pernell McPhee was also missing, but his was injury related as he is still recovering after getting his knee cleaned up. The Bears expect him to be fully healed before training camp rolls around.
Left tackle Charles Leno, who is still in line to be the opening day starter, met the media today and he said in regards to the Bears not bringing in a left tackle this offseason, "They believe in me so now I've got to repay them." The 3rd year pro also believes in himself, "I know I can play against anybody in this league." Bears' O-line coach Dave Magazu says he will play the five best linemen and Leno says he just has "to be one of those best 5."
My best guess is Leno opens the year starting at left tackle.
Leno was also very complimentary of his former teammate, Jermon Bushrod, the man whom he replaced in the starting line up last year. "Still one of the best role models I've ever had, I still to this day thank him."
He was also rocking some fresh socks at practice.
Charles Leno has Da Coach on his socks during #Bears OTA practice today. pic.twitter.com/4nWUukzByE
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) June 1, 2016
And he had some thoughts on rookie 2nd rounder Cody Whitehair.
#Bears LT Charles Leno on 2nd-round pick Cody Whitehair: "He can bend. I like the way he moves."
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) June 1, 2016
A few other players chatted with the media today and here are a few quick hitting Tweets from those exchanges.
#Bears DL Akiem Hicks started singing the chorus of Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball' when asked to describe DT Eddie Goldman.
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) June 1, 2016
DL Akiem Hicks on #Bears defense: "Everybody's athletic. Everybody's explosive. Everybody has a hunger."
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) June 1, 2016
DL Akiem Hicks says one of the biggest influences on him coming to the #Bears was knowing that they were "already on the right path."
— Bob LeGere (@BobLeGere) June 1, 2016
#Bears DL Akiem Hicks: "Kyle (Long) has always been a strong, athletic guy. It's going to be a battle (in training camp)."
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) June 1, 2016
#Bears TE Zach Miller on blocking improvement: "I'm just more comfortable doing it. I wasn't asked to do that much early in my career."
— Bob LeGere (@BobLeGere) June 1, 2016
#Bears TE Zach Miller calls new OC Dowell Loggains: "a great football mind" and "fun to be around."
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) June 1, 2016
Reporter to #Bears TE Zach Miller: Do you expect to be one of the top weapons on offense?
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) June 1, 2016
Miller: "Yeah."
"That's the brainiac," said #Bears TE Zach Miller of rookie TE Ben Braunecker from Harvard: "He's the infectious disease guy."
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) June 1, 2016
“I just have the mentality, I don’t want to go home. Out to prove myself, not week 2 week but day 2 day. #Bears' Freeman on long NFL path
— Arthur Arkush (@ArthurArkush) June 1, 2016
LB Jerrell Freeman on signing with #Bears: "A place I couldn't pass up."
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) June 1, 2016
LB Jerrell Freeman said Jay Cutler was the first #Bears player to reach out when he signed. He told him not to live downtown.
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) June 1, 2016
Willie Young says he’ll leave contract extension talks up to his agent. #Bears
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) June 1, 2016
#Bears LB Willie Young: "I've never had a break. I don't expect to get a break. I'm always working."
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) June 1, 2016
Willie Young: "I would like to finish my career up in Chicago." Young & #Bears have been talking contract extension.
— Jeff Dickerson (@DickersonESPN) June 1, 2016
Is weight a legitimate concern for rookie OLB Leonard Floyd? "That's BS," #Bears OLB Willie Young said. So no, according to Young.
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) June 1, 2016
If you guys find any other Bears nuggets, be sure to share them in the comment section.