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Teven Jenkins returns to Chicago Bears training camp after missing 7 practices — and says his relationship with coaches is solid

  • Punter Trenton Gill practices Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears...

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    Punter Trenton Gill practices Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Receiver Dazz Newsome practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears...

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    Receiver Dazz Newsome practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad (55) stretches Aug. 2, 2022, during...

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    Defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad (55) stretches Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Running back David Montgomery practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago...

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    Running back David Montgomery practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Wide receiver Byron Pringle speaks after practice, Aug. 1, 2022...

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    Wide receiver Byron Pringle speaks after practice, Aug. 1, 2022 during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Receivers Dante Pettis (86) and Chris Finke (17) practice Aug....

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    Receivers Dante Pettis (86) and Chris Finke (17) practice Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Quarterback Justin Fields practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears...

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    Quarterback Justin Fields practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • George Halas, in the bus, marks down the arrivals of...

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    George Halas, in the bus, marks down the arrivals of Bears players as the team gets ready to leave its training camp in Wisconsin in August 1940.

  • Punter Trenton Gill practices Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears...

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    Punter Trenton Gill practices Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Steve McMichael takes a break at Bears Camp in Lake...

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    Steve McMichael takes a break at Bears Camp in Lake Forest on Aug. 28, 1990.

  • Quarterback Justin Fields (1) practices with quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko,...

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    Quarterback Justin Fields (1) practices with quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko, left, and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy on Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Quarterback Justin Fields practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears...

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    Quarterback Justin Fields practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Cornerback Lamar Jackson (23) stretches Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago...

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    Cornerback Lamar Jackson (23) stretches Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • On the way to lunch from their morning study session,...

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    On the way to lunch from their morning study session, Earl Leggett, defense lineman, and Joe Fortunato, linebacker, greet Sisters Mary Bernard and Mary Luciana on St. Joseph's College Campus on Aug. 19, 1960. Leggett and Fortunato were participating in the Chicago Bears training camp at Rensselaer, Indiana.

  • Quarterback Nathan Peterman stretches Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago Bears...

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    Quarterback Nathan Peterman stretches Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • The defense practices Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training...

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    The defense practices Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Player Danny Fortmann takes photos at Bears training camp on...

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    Player Danny Fortmann takes photos at Bears training camp on Aug. 20, 1942.

  • Quarterback Justin Fields practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears...

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    Quarterback Justin Fields practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Offensive linemen Teven Jenkins, left, Julién Davenport, center, and Doug...

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    Offensive linemen Teven Jenkins, left, Julién Davenport, center, and Doug Kramer (68) practice as the Bears open training camp July 27 at Halas Hall.

  • Defensive backs Jaylon Johnson (33) and Kyler Gordon (6) stretch...

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    Defensive backs Jaylon Johnson (33) and Kyler Gordon (6) stretch Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • The Bears leave for training camp on Aug. 4, 1948,...

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    The Bears leave for training camp on Aug. 4, 1948, at Wrigley Field — and George Halas is driving. From left are, Gene Ronzani, Joe Baumgardner, Bill Cromer, Joe Abbey, Allen Lawler and Jim Canady.

  • Quarterback Justin Fields practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears...

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    Quarterback Justin Fields practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Ends and backs view game films during a grading session...

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    Ends and backs view game films during a grading session at Bears training camp in Rensselaer, Indiana, on Aug. 19, 1960. At the projector is offensive backfield coach Chuck Mather.

  • Defensive back Lamar Jackson (23)stretches Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago...

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    Defensive back Lamar Jackson (23)stretches Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy talks to quarterback Justin Fields during...

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    Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy talks to quarterback Justin Fields during practice Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Virginia McCaskey sits in the stands with her grandson, 11-month-old...

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    Virginia McCaskey sits in the stands with her grandson, 11-month-old John McCaskey, on May 25, 1985, during the Bears training camp in Lake Forest.

  • Running backs coach David Walker watches practice Aug. 1, 2022,...

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    Running backs coach David Walker watches practice Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Defensive back Jaquan Brisker (9) stretches Aug. 2, 2022, during...

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    Defensive back Jaquan Brisker (9) stretches Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Head coach Matt Eberflus speaks after practice, Aug. 1, 2022...

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    Head coach Matt Eberflus speaks after practice, Aug. 1, 2022 during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Offensive lineman Sam Mustipher (67) practices Aug. 1, 2022, during...

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    Offensive lineman Sam Mustipher (67) practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown (19) practices Aug. 3, 2022,...

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    Wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown (19) practices Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Bears offensive tackle Teven Jenkins looks to make a block...

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    Bears offensive tackle Teven Jenkins looks to make a block against the Vikings on Dec. 20, 2021, at Soldier Field.

  • Coach Matt Eberflus speaks after practice, Aug. 1, 2022 during...

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    Coach Matt Eberflus speaks after practice, Aug. 1, 2022 during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Running back David Montgomery (32) practices Aug. 2, 2022, during...

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    Running back David Montgomery (32) practices Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • A sign welcomes Bears fans in Platteville, Wisconsin.

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    A sign welcomes Bears fans in Platteville, Wisconsin.

  • Tight end Jake Tonges practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago...

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    Tight end Jake Tonges practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Tight ends Rysen John and Ryan Griffin practice Aug. 1,...

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    Tight ends Rysen John and Ryan Griffin practice Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Offensive lineman Teven Jenkens works out, May 17, 2022, during...

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    Offensive lineman Teven Jenkens works out, May 17, 2022, during Chicago Bears organized team activities at Halas Hall.

  • Special teams coordinator Richard Hightower speaks after practice, Aug. 2,...

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    Special teams coordinator Richard Hightower speaks after practice, Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Coach Matt Eberflus watches quarterback Justin Fields practice Aug. 2,...

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    Coach Matt Eberflus watches quarterback Justin Fields practice Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Running back David Montgomery (32) practices Aug. 1, 2022, during...

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    Running back David Montgomery (32) practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Defensive back Jon Alexander (16) practices Aug. 1, 2022, during...

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    Defensive back Jon Alexander (16) practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Tight end James O'Shaughnessy practices Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago...

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    Tight end James O'Shaughnessy practices Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Offensive linemen Cody Whitehair (65), Doug Kramer (68) and Braxton...

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    Offensive linemen Cody Whitehair (65), Doug Kramer (68) and Braxton Jones (70) practice Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Receiver Kevin Shaa practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears...

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    Receiver Kevin Shaa practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Chicago Bears fans line up for autographs at training camp...

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    Chicago Bears fans line up for autographs at training camp in 2001 in Platteville, Wisconsin.

  • Standing before his extensive film library on Aug. 19, 1960,...

    Al Phillips/Chicago Tribune

    Standing before his extensive film library on Aug. 19, 1960, coach George Halas checks over films of previous games to be shown to players during a grading session at training camp in Rensselaer, Indiana. Assisting Halas are assistant coach Paddy Driscoll, left, and offensive coach Luke Johnsos.

  • Offensive lineman Michael Schofield (64) practices Aug. 2, 2022, during...

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    Offensive lineman Michael Schofield (64) practices Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Wide receiver Byron Pringle, center, practices with Darnell Mooney, left,...

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    Wide receiver Byron Pringle, center, practices with Darnell Mooney, left, and Nsimba Webster, right, Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Quarterbacks Nathan Peterman (14), Trevor Siemian (15) and Justin Fields...

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    Quarterbacks Nathan Peterman (14), Trevor Siemian (15) and Justin Fields (1) practice Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Quarterback Trevor Siemian hands off to tight end James O'Shaughnessy...

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    Quarterback Trevor Siemian hands off to tight end James O'Shaughnessy during practice Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Offensive lineman Zachary Thomas practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago...

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    Offensive lineman Zachary Thomas practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Medical technician Nelson Ferrer uses an electrocardiogram on Walter Payton...

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    Medical technician Nelson Ferrer uses an electrocardiogram on Walter Payton on May 20, 1986, during the Bears camp physicals in Lake Forest.

  • Quarterback Trevor Siemian speaks after practice, Aug. 2, 2022, during...

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    Quarterback Trevor Siemian speaks after practice, Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad speaks after practice, Aug. 1, 2022...

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    Defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad speaks after practice, Aug. 1, 2022 during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Quarterback Justin Fields speaks after practice Aug. 3, 2022, during...

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    Quarterback Justin Fields speaks after practice Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Offensive lineman Braxton Jones speaks after practice, Aug. 2, 2022,...

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    Offensive lineman Braxton Jones speaks after practice, Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Defensive back Jaylon Johnson speaks after practice, Aug. 2, 2022,...

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    Defensive back Jaylon Johnson speaks after practice, Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Wide receiver Byron Pringle practices Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago...

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    Wide receiver Byron Pringle practices Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Tight ends coach Jim Dray watches practice Aug. 1, 2022,...

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    Tight ends coach Jim Dray watches practice Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Coach Matt Eberflus speaks after practice Aug. 3, 2022, during...

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    Coach Matt Eberflus speaks after practice Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • George Halas, coach of the Chicago Bears, checks in his...

    Chicago Tribune historical photo

    George Halas, coach of the Chicago Bears, checks in his squad as they leave for the team's training camp in Rensselear, Indiana, on July 20, 1953.

  • Head coach Matt Eberflus watches practice Aug. 1, 2022, during...

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    Head coach Matt Eberflus watches practice Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. (97) stretches Aug. 1, 2022,...

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    Defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. (97) stretches Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Tight end Ryan Griffin speaks after practice, Aug. 1, 2022...

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    Tight end Ryan Griffin speaks after practice, Aug. 1, 2022 during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Quarterback Nathan Peterman practices Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago Bears...

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    Quarterback Nathan Peterman practices Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Quarterback Justin Fields practices Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago Bears...

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    Quarterback Justin Fields practices Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Defensive back Elijah Hicks (37) stretches, Aug. 2, 2022, during...

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    Defensive back Elijah Hicks (37) stretches, Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Luke Johnsos, offensive coach for the Chicago Bears, diagrams a...

    Al Phillips/Chicago Tribune

    Luke Johnsos, offensive coach for the Chicago Bears, diagrams a play on a chalkboard while players copy it in their play books during Bears training camp on Aug. 19, 1960, at Rensselaer, Indiana. Coach George Halas sits on the windowsill at left, observing.

  • Defensive back Eddie Jackson (4) stretches Aug. 1, 2022, during...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Defensive back Eddie Jackson (4) stretches Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Head coach Matt Eberflus watches practice Aug. 2, 2022, during...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Head coach Matt Eberflus watches practice Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Virginia McCaskey, bottom right, watches practice with George McCaskey, top...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Virginia McCaskey, bottom right, watches practice with George McCaskey, top left, and Brian McCaskey on Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Offensive lineman Sam Mustipher (67) practices Aug. 1, 2022, during...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Offensive lineman Sam Mustipher (67) practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Defensive tackle Justin Jones speaks after practice Aug. 3, 2022,...

    Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune

    Defensive tackle Justin Jones speaks after practice Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Offensive lineman Sam Mustipher speaks after practice, Aug. 1, 2022...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Offensive lineman Sam Mustipher speaks after practice, Aug. 1, 2022 during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Head coach Matt Eberflus watches practice Aug. 1, 2022, during...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Head coach Matt Eberflus watches practice Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Receiver Equanimeous St. Brown practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Receiver Equanimeous St. Brown practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Defensive end Robert Quinn speaks after practice, Aug. 2, 2022,...

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    Defensive end Robert Quinn speaks after practice, Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • On the scale is defensive end Maury Youmans, weighing in...

    Al Phillips/Chicago Tribune

    On the scale is defensive end Maury Youmans, weighing in at 244 pounds. Checking his weight is halfback Willie Galimore, one of the lightest men on the team at 185 pounds. This all happened at Bears training camp at Rensselaer, Indiana, on Aug. 19, 1960.

  • Tackle Willie Lee and halfback John Morris take a whirlpool...

    Al Phillips/Chicago Tribune

    Tackle Willie Lee and halfback John Morris take a whirlpool treatment in the trainer room at the field house at Bears training camp at Rensselaer, Indiana, on Aug. 19, 1960.

  • Defensive back Jaylon Johnson (33) practices Aug. 1, 2022, during...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Defensive back Jaylon Johnson (33) practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Running back David Montgomery speaks after practice Aug. 3, 2022,...

    Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune

    Running back David Montgomery speaks after practice Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Receiver Kevin Shaa practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Receiver Kevin Shaa practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

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Teven Jenkins and the Chicago Bears still wouldn’t reveal what injury kept the second-year offensive tackle out of seven training camp practices, but Jenkins did say he expects to be back to 100% in a couple of days after returning to the field Saturday morning.

Jenkins practiced in a limited capacity at a closed session at Halas Hall for the first time since July 27, doing some position-group work and standing on the sideline in uniform during team drills. He said he expects to get limited team reps Sunday as he ramps up to full participation.

“I’m not having any discomfort right now, so it’s really good,” Jenkins said. “If I had to give myself a percent, probably around 90%, and it’s just about working my body back into the feeling of football (being) back again.”

Jenkins’ absence was a big topic of conversation around Halas Hall over the last week after NFL Network reported Monday that the Bears were holding trade talks centered around the 2021 second-round pick.

Offensive linemen Teven Jenkins, left, Julién Davenport, center, and Doug Kramer (68) practice as the Bears open training camp July 27 at Halas Hall.
Offensive linemen Teven Jenkins, left, Julién Davenport, center, and Doug Kramer (68) practice as the Bears open training camp July 27 at Halas Hall.

Coach Matt Eberflus has a policy not to discuss day-to-day injuries. Without official word on Jenkins’ issue, speculation surrounded the situation, especially considering Jenkins was never spotted watching practice or working out to the side on exercise bikes as many injured players do.

Jenkins wouldn’t say whether he was injured in the first practice of camp July 27 — the only one in which he had appeared before Saturday — or whether the injury was related to previous back issues. But he said he has been “in the training room trying to get better, just health-wise.” Eberflus said Jenkins also has been attentive in meetings and walk-throughs as he works through his issue.

Jenkins kept most of his answers brief during an eight-minute media session after practice. He said the only person he spoke with about trade speculation was his agent, Joel Segal, but he declined to share details of that conversation.

Asked about dealing with trade rumors, he said, “It’s life. Life’s hard.”

Asked about whether he could use a fresh start with a new organization after the Bears’ recent staff changes, he said, “I’m a loyal type of guy. The Chicago Bears, they drafted me, so I’m going to stay with the Chicago Bears until whenever it is.”

Jenkins did, however, try to set the record straight on his relationship with Bears coaches after rumors of a disconnect surfaced this week.

On Tuesday, Jenkins replied to a tweet asking how he was by writing, “I’m good don’t believe everything you read.” He said Saturday that reply was in reference to a report he was clashing with coaches, which was “totally not true.”

“I love the coaches,” he said. “We have no animosity towards each other. We talk to each other every day.”

Where Jenkins fits on the offensive line upon his return is a big question.

The Bears have rotated players at both tackle positions, this week giving first-team reps to rookie Braxton Jones at left tackle and Riley Reiff and Larry Borom at right tackle. Reiff, a 10-year NFL veteran whom the Bears signed just before camp, also took reps at left tackle earlier in camp. Reiff was limited because of a veteran rest day Saturday, and Jones briefly left practice, but Eberflus said he should be fine.

With those three getting long looks already at the positions, offensive coordinator Luke Getsy was asked Friday what’s in store for Jenkins.

“(Jenkins) is going to get thrown right into the mix of this competition at the tackles,” Getsy said. “We’re trying to find the best five, so when he gets back, he’s someone who’s super talented that should jump in there. And hopefully he takes advantage of the opportunities he’s going to get.”

Jenkins said he believes he has a chance to win a starting job and doesn’t think his style of play or body type is a detriment to his chances, citing similarities to how he played at Oklahoma State. General manager Ryan Poles, who inherited Jenkins from former GM Ryan Pace, said in March that he wanted a lighter, quicker offensive line than the Bears had in 2021.

Bears offensive tackle Teven Jenkins looks to make a block against the Vikings on Dec. 20, 2021, at Soldier Field.
Bears offensive tackle Teven Jenkins looks to make a block against the Vikings on Dec. 20, 2021, at Soldier Field.

“It’s not problematic,” Jenkins said. “In college, we did spread offense. I had to be 315-320 (pounds), and I was still around 20% body fat back there. The only thing we did was just run outside zone. So just coming here is just turning from last year to this year, I just had to cut a lot of weight again because it’s just kind of more up-tempo like I did in college. It’s just like going back to that speed and getting back to the demands of that instead of last year.”

Jenkins missed all of training camp in his rookie season with a back injury that eventually required surgery. He returned to appear in his first NFL game in December and played in six games with two starts.

So naturally Jenkins’ slow start to camp this year has been frustrating, and he said he talks with his fiancée as he deals with the situation.

“I talk to her night and day, whenever I can, and she helps me through a lot,” Jenkins said.

Eberflus said his message to Jenkins as he resumes activities is the same as it is to all players: “Go out there and compete. Everything’s open. Dive in.”