Vestee Jackson will replace Reggie Phillips at right cornerback Monday night against the Rams, Bears` coach Mike Ditka said Wednesday.
The unexpected announcement was the first lineup change of the year not dictated by injury. It was Ditka`s latest signal that nothing remains static with the 7-1 defending world champions.
Jim McMahon threw at practice well enough for Ditka to figure he will start at quarterback, so unrest had to find a new position.
Ditka also expressed little sympathy for defensive end Richard Dent, who left practice with a mild case of pleurisy.
Ditka was unaware that Dent was suffering from an inflammation of the membrane covering the lungs when the most valuable player of the Super Bowl left practice early.
Trainer Fred Caito said Dent had permission to leave, but it was news to Ditka.
”I have no idea what`s wrong. He didn`t show for treatment on Monday. I think he wants a rest, a little self-pity probably,” Ditka said.
Ditka said Dent would keep his starting job, but Ditka didn`t sound as though he was talking about a most valuable player.
”I really don`t care (if he starts). The last time he didn`t, we shut the other team out,” Ditka said.
Dent missed the Oct. 5 game against Minnesota and Mike Hartenstine replaced him. The Bears recorded seven sacks in a 23-0 victory.
Although Ditka may be the victim of a communications gap over Dent`s latest setback, the coach`s impulsive reaction Wednesday revealed obvious displeasure with Dent that went beyond leaving one practice early.
Caito said Dent complained on Tuesday about his health but missed a doctor`s appointment because of a traffic jam.
”He`s on antibiotics now. He has discomfort when he breathes deep,”
Caito said.
Ditka also said fullback Calvin Thomas and tight end Tim Wrightman will share time equally at their positions to bolster the offense.
Thomas has replaced Matt Suhey and Wrightman has replaced Emery Moorehead on occasion for a series or two, but now Ditka wants the players alternating on every series.
Ditka offered no explanation for Jackson`s promotion and no complaint with Phillips, who gave up a 46-yard pass to the Lions that led to Detroit`s only touchdown last week.
”We`ve given up some big plays at that spot,” said defensive coordinator Vince Tobin. ”We`d like to see if Vestee can play better. To have the defense playing the way we want, we can`t give up big plays at any spot.” Jackson, a rookie, is a second-round draft pick who battled second-year player Phillips during training camp until Phillips took charge and played well.
”We`re not totally discouraged with Reggie,” Tobin said. ”It doesn`t preclude him coming back if Vestee doesn`t do the job. Anytime you put a rookie in a game, you don`t know how he`ll play under fire.”
Ditka wants more production at tight end and fullback.
”We don`t have any starting tight end. Tim is playing well and blocking a little better than he has. When he catches the ball, he`s tough to bring down, and that`s what you have to look at,” Ditka said.
Suhey was listed as ”questionable” on Wednesday`s injury report with sore ribs. He joined middle linebacker Mike Singletary (leg) and McMahon
(ankle-shoulder) in the 50-50 category.
Ditka said McMahon didn`t throw well at practice, but he threw well enough to make him a non-story. Ditka`s so-called new mellow personality was a non-story, too.
”We`re not going to talk about my personality because I have none,”
Ditka said.
