Quarterback questions dominate Bears camp, but the No. 2 receiver and starting tailback positions are emerging as issues few had envisioned.
Rashied Davis’ four catches for 91 yards and a touchdown, plus top-notch decision-making, have suddenly made him a factor in the search for a starting wideout opposite Muhsin Muhammad. Davis displayed veteran hands and thinking as he made difficult catches, gained yards after receptions and reacted with Brian Griese to exploit a free-play opportunity on a 49ers penalty for a 41-yard touchdown in Friday night’s 28-14 loss.
“We’ve been asking guys to step up,” coach Lovie Smith said. “He did that.”
Mark Bradley and Bernard Berrian have been viewed as the finalists for the No. 2 receiver spot. Both have the size and speed of prototypes at the position. But Steve Smith has done just fine for the Carolina Panthers at 5 feet 9 inches and 185 pounds. Davis is 5-9, 183.
“If he’s the most productive guy . . . ” receivers coach Darryl Drake said. “It’s all based on production.”
Backfielding
While Davis’ play will help make coaches’ decisions, the situation at tailback is potentially stickier. If Thomas Jones returns from his strained hamstring and performs at his 2005 level before Cedric Benson is back from his shoulder injury, who’s No. 1?
Jones has not practiced all camp, and Benson has been out for 10 days. Jones is feeling better as he focuses on regaining strength. Benson is unsure when he’ll be green-lighted but was having a very good camp, and most expect he will return to his starting job.
“I just want to be ready and get back out there,” said Benson, who was out of his shoulder sling Sunday for the first time. “I’m doing well, out of the sling and doing weights, nothing too heavy. It feels good, but I couldn’t play a game yet.”
If Jones regains the No. 1 job, Benson will have lost his job ostensibly because of injury. If Jones plays well but does not get the job back, the decision might not play well in the locker room. In the meantime, Jones said, “It’s a good story. But I’m just here to do what I can do, and my focus is to get on the field and try to repeat the year I had last year.”
Extra points
Safety Mike Brown (leg) and receiver Justin Gage (hip) were among those held out of Sunday’s practice in pads. Rookie Danieal Manning replaced Brown. The Bears rotated various receivers into Gage’s spot. … Rookie guard Tyler Reed was excused because of a death in his family. … Cornerback Nathan Vasher, removed from Friday’s game after a blow to the head, sat out. He was replaced by Ricky Manning Jr.
