Maybe the Bears won’t use a rotation at cornerback against the Steelers after all.
According to multiple sources, Zack Bowman ran with the first team at right cornerback during Wednesday’s practice and is expected to remain in that role over Nathan Vasher when the Bears take the field for Sunday’s home opener against the defending Super Bowl champions.
The Bears went with a three-man rotation of Charles Tillman, Vasher and Bowman in Sunday’s 21-15 loss to the Packers, although Tillman and Vasher played the entire second half. Bowman was in for nine snaps, six at left cornerback and three at right.
Vasher had some good moments but will be remembered for being on the short end of Aaron Rodgers’ game-winning, 50-yard touchdown pass to Greg Jennings. Vasher slipped on the play, although he was anticipating help from free safety Kevin Payne in the zone coverage.
Coach Lovie Smith was asked about Bowman’s status following Wednesday’s practice.
“Yes, [Bowman] played well in a limited time he had the other day,” Smith said. “We’ve been bringing him back from a [hamstring] injury. He has done a lot of good things when he has had an opportunity. And we’ll just go through the week. It’s a good chance he’ll play more.”
Tillman and Bowman are sure to be tested by Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes and savvy veteran Hines Ward. The two combined for 17 receptions and 234 yards in the Steelers opener.
Vasher’s base salary this season is $2.9 million. He has three years left on his contract worth another potential $10.15 million.
Stand by your QB: Smith strongly defended his quarterback in the wake of criticism from two former coaches he knows well: Jim Mora and his former Rams boss Mike Martz.
Mora and Martz, appearing on the NFL Network’s new show “The Head Coaches,” both had negative things to say about Jay Cutler’s postgame demeanor after the Bears’ 21-15 loss to the Packers.
Mora called Cutler “completely immature” while Martz said Cutler “just doesn’t get it.”
“First off, you have to look at the setting a little bit,” Smith said. “We had just come off a tough loss to one of our rivals.”
Smith said he listened to Cutler’s comments and was disappointed with the critique of them, “especially from a couple of former coaches.”
Smith talked about Cutler being a leader and a player who represents the organization well.
“We can’t be concerned about criticism coming from the outside,” Smith said. “Right now it’s easy to dog pile us because we didn’t play well. But how you get rid of things like that is to play well.”
Smith was asked if he talked to Martz.
“I’m trying to get ready for Pittsburgh. I’m talking to my wife a little bit right now,” Smith joked. “Everyone else is a little bit lower on the list.”
So what did Smith’s wife have to say?
“Full support,” he said. “Always. Loves Jay to death too.”
Injury report: Linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa said there is no chance he will play in Sunday’s game as he recovers from a sprained posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, meaning Nick Roach will start at strong-side linebacker. Tinoisamoa had a sleeve on Wednesday as he sat out practice along with defensive end Mark Anderson (toe), cornerback Trumaine McBride (knee) and nickel back/returner Danieal Manning (back).
Extra point: Lance Briggs was named a defensive co-captain in place of injured teammate Brian Urlacher.
