When the Bears signed Obafemi Ayanbadejo in the off-season then brought in fullback Quadtrine Hill during training camp, Jason McKie never flinched.
He shouldn’t have.
As the Bears get set to take their practice to Lake Forest in preparation for the regular season, there’s no doubt McKie is No. 1 on the depth chart.
“I’m at a point in my career where I’m trying to compete against myself,” McKie said.
“I try to come out to practice and improve my game. I don’t look over my shoulder or anything. In this league, you can’t really do that.”
The former practice-squad member became the Bears’ full-time starter at fullback last season, clearing holes for Thomas Jones and catching 25 balls out the backfield — the most by a Bears fullback since Ty Hallock had the same count in 1998.
McKie admitted he will miss having Jones in the backfield, but his mind-set won’t change with Cedric Benson now the featured back.
“I don’t have to change my blocking style for either of those guys,” he said. “I’m just working on my hands in general, just using them a lot more this season.”
And maybe the Bears will use McKie a lot more as a runner this season.
Or, maybe not.
“I know my role here,” he said, “and my role is to block first.”
Back in action
Based strictly on Friday’s last open practice, it appears likely that starters Brian Urlacher, Tommie Harris and John Tait will be on the field Monday night against the Colts after missing the exhibition opener at Houston.
Coach Lovie Smith spoke only about Harris’ status, although all three players practiced Friday.
“It’s a good feeling,” Smith said of having Harris back. “You know I made a statement that he could be the best defensive lineman involved. So to get a guy back like that is big.”
