Tight end was a focus Friday as Ron Johnson continued his strong push for a roster spot, Desmond Clark took his first simulated snaps and caught his first passes of camp and Dustin Lyman was forced to miss both practices with an ankle twisted Thursday.
Johnson, who had impressed coach Lovie Smith and his staff already, provided the highlight of the morning practice with a diving catch in the end zone of a Chad Hutchinson pass. Coaches clearly are looking for ways to get the former college wide receiver on the field, and he appears to be earning his way into the Bears’ plans.
“We’re trying to figure out where to play him and at what position,” Smith said. “We’re trying to get him involved as much as possible.”
Clark took his first simulated plays Friday, running a variety of routes after practice under the watchful eyes of Turner and general manager Jerry Angelo. The hope is that he will be able to practice at least on a limited scale sometime next week.
Muhsin Muhammad had a rough night practice, dropping two passes and, after one reception, having Charles Tillman pop the ball out of his hands to Mike Brown who headed for the end zone. . . . Mark Bradley had a fourth-down drop. . . . Eddie Berlin collected a TD on a diving grab of a 50-yard Hutchinson pass despite pass interference. . . . Brian Urlacher and Jerry Azumah were given practice off in what is a camp pattern of resting veterans in spots. . . . Hunter Hillenmeyer sat out the night practice with a mild concussion.
