Defensive end Israel Idonije moved inside to where he once was asked to play earlier this week, and it's not likely to be the last time the Chicago Bears defense makes this move.
Idonije in the past played the three-technique or under tackle spot on the front four in addition to end.
When he was at under tackle, it meant a big weight gain.
When the Bears moved him to end, it meant he needed to be lighter. When Idonije finally settled in at end, his weight stablized.
However, with first-round draft pick Shea McClellin likely to be a situational pass rusher, Idonije will have to move back inside on some downs as a rusher.
"He's quick, he's played it, and he's got real quick hands in there," defensive coordinator Rod Marinellis said. "I think the biggest thing you're doing is that when we come down to the seven guys that we usually suit up (on the D-line each game), there's got to be position flexibility. There has to be, so guys have got to move around and play other spots."
Marinelli had Henry Melton learn defensive end for the same reason two years ago.
"You try to get as much speed and athleticism on the field as you can," Marinelli said.
Bouncing back: FS Chris Conte came back from a few so-so practices to make two INTs of QB Jay Cutler in Tuesday's practice. Coaches see development in Conte even if there have been days when he gave up big plays in practice. "I think the more comfortable you get, the faster you play," Marinelli said. "He’s doing that and he’s a good tackler."
Returning: WR Earl Bennett returned to practice after being away one day for personal reasons. Devin Hester had some company fielding punts at Tuesday's practice -- 295-pound DT Henry Melton. Special teams coordinator Dave Toub likes to keep things light every now and then, so he had Melton drop back as a return man. Melton made a couple catches, and even took one up the sidelines like he was a larger version of Hester to please the crowd.
Other side: Even the offense notices a difference without Brian Urlacher around. Quarterback Jay Cutler thinks it's different going against them in scrimmage: "I mean it’s a little different without Lack in there, he’s got so many years of experience it’s kind of a chess match against them."
Day off: The linebacker corps looked even more depleted than normal Tuesday when LB Lance Briggs was given a day of rest. He hadn't had one the entire camp. Geno Hayes, J.T. Thomas, and Nick Roach played much of the time with the first-team linebacker group.
Team off: The Bears have no practice Wednesday. They return Thursday for the final practice open to the public in Bourbonnais.
