Bears Depth Chart Released
The Bears have released their first depth chart of training camp in advance of their preseason opener Saturday in San Diego.
No real first team surprises.
The Bears will use the offensive line they began using at the tail end of last week.
Roberto Garza will start at left guard against the Chargers and second-year lineman Lance Louis will get the call at Garza's old position at right guard.
Chris Williams will start at left tackle. Frank Omiyale will begin the preseason as the starting right tackle. Olin Kreutz will line up in his familiar center spot.
"This is the combination we want to see work for a while," said head coach Lovie Smith.
Matt Forte is the Bears top running back. Greg Olsen is the team's tight end. Desmond Clark is also listed as starter under what the Bears are calling H-back.
"H-back is just a label for a second tight end position," said Clark. "I'll still be doing all the stuff I've been doing."
What Clark has been doing is showcase his versatility during training camp.
"The second tight end is asked to do a lot of things," he said. "He could be on the line, in the backfield or out wide. It's just a position that you have to do multiple things."
Johnny Knox and Devin Hester are the first team wide receivers. Hester has missed the last few practices with a groin injury.
Devin Aromashodu is listed as Hester's top backup. The first reserve behind Knox is Rashied Davis.
Earl Bennett has dropped to third string behind Davis after falling behind following offseason knee surgery.
"It was definitely frustrating," Bennett admitted of having to play catch-up after the surgery. "All I can do is go out, work hard and make plays and just prove my point on the field."
The other side of the field features no surprises.
Chris Harris will begin the preseason as the starting free safety. Danieal Manning will be the strong safety. Craig Steltz will be the top reserve after Manning.
Mark Anderson and Israel Idonije are listed as co-starters at the defensive end position opposite Julius Peppers. The winner will be decided based on performs the best in preseason games.
Tommie Harris and Anthony Adams are the starting defensive tackles.
Nick Roach and Pisa Tinoisamoa are listed as co-starters at strongside linebacker. The eventual winner of that competition will play alongside Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs on the first team.
Zack Bowman and Charles Tillman are the starting cornerbacks.
Bowman is currently nursing a knee injury.
Follow Zach on Twitter for the latest on the Bears: http://twitter.com/ZachZaidman
