Chicago Sun-Times News

Bears' season on the line

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:01 CST

The spotlight in Bears training camp is on the quarterback derby, but two days in, coach Lovie Smith was begging to talk about anything else. How about the offensive line, where some other position battles are being waged? The Bears will be only as good as their running game this season, and it all starts up front.

Better late than never? Hester reports to camp

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:01 CST

Walking out of the dining hall Friday morning at Olivet Nazarene University wearing a red T-shirt and with a red St. Louis Cardinals hat on backward, Devin Hester most importantly wore a wide smile.

Hester has backer in Mitchell

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:01 CST

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- First, Brian Mitchell joked that if Devin Hester holds out for a while, Mitchell's place in the NFL record book will be secure for a little while longer.

Bears keep Simms on their radar

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:01 CST

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- Chris Simms is expected to report today for the first day of training camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Hester, not agent, calling the shots

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:01 CST

A desperate tactic by a desperate man. That's the way some regard Devin Hester's contract holdout, which reached Day 2 on Thursday -- or $30,000 in fines for two missed practices.

Camp spotlight

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:01 CST

QB BATTLEDay 2 of the great quarterback derby provided Kyle Orton with the opportunity to direct the first-team offense, and he developed a quick rapport with Brandon Lloyd, connecting with him on a variety of routes. Overall, Orton and Rex Grossman both looked solid and were sharper than they were Wednesday. Orton had one mix-up where Hunter Hillenmeyer picked him off on a ball deep down the sideline for tight end Greg Olson. Orton looked decisive and made some crisp throws. Grossman showed off his ability to be accurate with the deep ball, hitting Rashied Davis in stride for a touchdown. Grossman lost a snap with center Anthony Oakley, a recurring problem last season.