Bears fans will have their eyes on Rashaan Salaam Sunday when the rookie running back debuts in Soldier Field against Arizona.
But while coach Dave Wannstedt will be interested to see how Salaam responds as well, he also plans to emphasize running back Robert Green and try to increase the number of plays that fullback Raymont Harris handles. He hopes the offense can improve its possession time to give him a fuller look at the attack.
“We still haven’t seen Raymont,” Wannstedt said, meaning the total impact that Harris can bring. “My ideal picture for him is he gets his hands on the ball 15 times a game, six or seven passes and a half-dozen or so carries. That’s what we need to utilize his ability.”
Harris ran just once last Monday against Cleveland for 1 yard and caught one pass for 15 yards. Against Carolina, Harris rushed four times for 7 yards and went 34 yards on four receptions.
“Green is going to get a big dose of playing time to see what he can do,” Wannstedt said. “He’s one of those guys who has always had a half-dozen plays a game at most and usually makes more good things happen than bad.
“You’d like for Salaam to be the guy, but . . . Lewis Tillman is still a winning player, and we can keep three tailbacks because Green and Tillman are special teams guys.
“At fullback, after Raymont, the guy doing the best job is Antonio Carter. Anthony Johnson is the one that has to pick it up. He put the ball on the ground once in each of the last two games, and I don’t care how fast, smart or experienced you are, we’re not going to play guys who put the ball on the ground.”
Mr. Training Camp: If there were awards for training camp MVP, wide receiver Curtis Conway would be a finalist. “He’s had as good a camp as you could have asked,” Wannstedt said.
He then pointed to a catch that was overlooked Monday in the morass of the Bears’ 55-13 loss in Cleveland. “That catch Conway made before the half , people take that with a grain of salt, but I’m telling you that was a heckuva catch jumping up like he did and getting that ball.”
Waiting game: Kevin Butler won’t kick until Saturday in preparation for Sunday’s game, resting the foot that was inadvertently stepped on by safety Anthony Marshall at Wednesday’s practice. Offensive tackle Andy Heck missed a second straight practice day Thursday to let his strained foot muscle heal.
Need a seat? The Bears are still trying to sell tickets to Sunday’s game at Soldier Field. The price range goes from $50 down to $30. And Tim LeFevour, the Bears’ director of administration, has asked that fans be reminded no umbrellas are allowed at games.
