Harris returns to practice
By TOM MUSICK -- Shaw Suburban Media
LAKE FOREST – If Tommie Harris’s elusive moves to avoid the media were any indication, he should be nimble enough to start Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.
Harris, who has battled knee soreness throughout the season, returned to practice Wednesday for the first time in almost two weeks. Bears coach Lovie Smith benched Harris on Sunday at Cincinnati even though the former first-round pick later told a reporter that he was healthy enough to play.
Smith said he wanted to rest Harris to make him more effective in the long run.
“I know it was hard for him to sit on the sideline and not play,” Smith said. “But he’s back on the field now, and he’ll line up this Sunday.”
Harris slipped out of the Bears locker room before practice and jogged past reporters afterward.
Testy, 1, 2, 3: Smith grew weary of repeated questions about whether he would make any changes to the offensive line this week, namely starting Josh Beekman at left guard in place of Frank Omiyale.
Teams have hidden their plans during competitions at quarterback and other specialty positions. But why not say whether Beekman or Omiyale would start against the Browns?
“I just don’t want to,” Smith said. “As simple as that. Don’t want to give the opponent an advantage. We want them to wonder what we’re going to do, like you are right now.”
Bears bits: Rookie Johnny Knox was named the NFC’s special teams player of the month for October. Knox is third in the NFL with 29.0 yards per kickoff return. … Running back Adrian Peterson returned to practice Wednesday missing the past two games because of a knee injury. ... Defensive end Adewale Ogunleye (ankle) missed practice Wednesday.
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