Hoping to avoid contract disputes of the sort that resulted in 2005 first-round draft pick Cedric Benson missing all of training camp, the Bears continued to make progress on their 2006 draft class Monday when they signed fullback J.D. Runnels, a fifth-round pick, to a four-year deal.
Runnels joins defensive end Mark Anderson (fifth round) and guard Tyler Reed (sixth round) in the fold.
Runnels, out of Oklahoma, has looked solid at mini-camps and organized team activities with his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. He also is regarded as a solid blocker who could challenge Bryan Johnson and Jason McKie for a starting role.
“It’s a privilege to be here, so I wouldn’t dream of holding out,” Runnels said.
Extra points
Single-game tickets for home games go on sale July 22 at noon. They are available via phone at 312-559-1212 or at www.ticketmaster.com. There is a four-ticket limit for regular-season games but no limit for exhibitions. For more information, call 847-615-2327. . . . Receiver Airese Currie returned to action Monday after missing workouts with a sore quadriceps. Receiver Justin Gage and cornerback Nathan Vasher continued to be sidelined with minor injuries.
