After suffering some key injuries last season, the Bears defense that mauled opponents on its way to the Super Bowl is beginning to take shape again. Defensive tackle Tommie Harris, who missed the last month of the regular season and the entire postseason when he tore a hamstring tendon in his left leg, has returned to the practice field this week in Lake Forest.
Cornerback Charles Tillman also returned to organized team activity workouts this week after undergoing minor back surgery after Super Bowl XLI.
RedEye’s takes a snapshot of the defense to illustrate where the defense stands more than a month from training camp.
Family reunion
Ayanbadejo’s brother signed
On Tuesday, the Bears signed Obafemi Ayanbadejo to a one-year contract.
Ayanbadejo, the older brother of Bears Pro-Bowl special teams standout Brendon Ayanbadejo, has spent eight seasons in the NFL, the last three with the Arizona Cardinals. A fullback-special teams player, he has 513 career yards rushing and 885 receiving as well as 88 tackles on special teams.
The brothers were teammates with the Miami Dolphins in 2003.
— Tribune, AP
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Left Defensive End
Adewale Ogunleye, No. 93
Left Defensive Tackle
Tank Johnson, No. 99
Johnson was suspended for eight games, but that punishment for off-field behavior could be reduced to six games. The Bears will have to closely watch the development of reserves Dusty Dvoracek and Antonio Garay.
Left Outside Linebacker
Hunter Hillenmeyer, No. 92
Middle Linebacker
Brian Urlacher, No. 54
Left Defensive Tackle
Tommie Harris, No. 91
Harris was cleared to practice with his teammates after being examined Friday in Dallas by Dan Cooper, who performed the surgery along with Bears physician Mark Bowen. “I feel good right now,” Harris told chicagobears.com’s Larry Mayer. “Dr. Cooper said I might be faster the way they tightened it up. … Nothing’s wrong with my hamstring. It’s the tendon that popped, just like if I tore my bicep or pec.”
Right Defensive End
Mark Anderson, No. 97
Anderson lined up as the starter during the first mini-camp in May. Alex Brown, perhaps sensing his future as a backup, later asked the Bears to trade him.
Strong Safety
Mike Brown, No. 30
Brown’s foot injury appeared to be healed while he participated in all practice sessions in May. Signing Adam Archuleta gives the Bears a cushion in case Brown is not his old self.
Right Cornerback
Nathan Vasher, No. 31
Right Outside Linebacker
Lance Briggs, No. 55
Pencil this spot a mystery, since Briggs has been steadfast in his threat to hold out until he’s traded. The team seemed high on Michael Okwo after the NFL draft. His development could steer the course of this drama.
Left Cornerback
Charles Tillman, No. 33
“They’re bringing me back slowly, so we’ll see what happens,” Tillman told chicagobears.com. “By the time we [start] training camp [July 27], I’ll be where I need to be.”
Free Safety
Danieal Manning, No. 38
