The Chicago Bears have returned to the field for Week 2 of OTAs, and the media had a chance to check out the action, but there are some concerns going into it.
ESPN Bears reporter Courtney Cronin made some key observations about what was going on during the practice. Unfortunately for the Bears, some notable players were not on the field.
"Bears back on the field for OTAs today. No Montez Sweat or Kyler Gordon. Dayo Odeyingbo and T.J. Edwards among several who did not participate in team periods as they rehab injuries."
Bears dealing with multiple players out of OTAs
Now keep in mind that these are still voluntary OTAs, so players don't necessarily have to be there as the mandatory workouts don't start until June 9. The concern is that many key defenders are not on the practice field.
Gordon is the biggest concern after it was reported over a week ago that he will likely miss OTAs due to a soft-tissue injury that has lingered since last season. There is growing frustration with that situation, but Bears fans will have to wait to see when he returns to the practice field.
Not having Sweat isn't a problem at the moment unless there is an injury, which doesn't seem to be the case. It's unfortunate that Sweat and Odeyingbo are both out, as that edge rusher room is already a big concern entering the season.
All indications have been that Edwards is making good progress and should be just fine for the season. That's good news for a linebacker room that doesn't have Tremaine Edmunds anymore, and it's switching it up with free agent signing Devin Bush.
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These will all be situations Bears fans will have to watch for over the summer to see if they worsen, but there's no reason to hit the panic button. Yet.
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