Bears wrap up training camp

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BOURBONNAIS — The Bears’ wrapped up their sixth summer of training camp at Olivet Nazarene University and the last of a three-year contract with the school.

Based on the general sentiment, a renewal will happen despite the widening trend of NFL teams staying at their home facilities for training camp.

“We’re talking now, both sides, about an extension,” ONU director of university relations Gary Griffin said.

The Bears prefer to avoid the wear-and-tear on their fields at Halas Hall in Lake Forest and would rather not have to deal with the logistical issues of bringing in crowds to watch practice there. They also have a good deal financially with ONU.

Sights and sounds

Rex Grossman was on the mark with the deep ball Thursday during the final night practice of training camp. Grossman beat Adam Archuleta down the middle with a high, arcing toss to Bernard Berrian.

Earlier, Grossman’s completion to Devin Hester on a deep post route might have been the play of training camp. The 60-yard pass just beat the double coverage of Nathan Vasher and Mike Brown.

“He allows you to stretch the field, just like Bernard does and Mark Bradley,” Grossman said. “All three of those guys have exceptional speed.”

Brown said the completion to Hester would not have happened if the secondary had been going at full speed.

“I don’t know, to tell you the truth,” Hester said in a tone that suggested he was confident Brown was wrong.

“Y’all seen it, and [when] we watch film tonight, we’ll be able to tell whether I would have made that catch or not.”

Linebacker Jamar Williams provided a highlight for the defense, finishing off practice with his fourth interception of camp. Coach Lovie Smith praised Williams, a versatile backup, for having had a strong off-season and camp.

Health check: Wide receiver Mark Bradley (knee) sat out a third consecutive day and cornerback Trumaine McBride (toe) also missed practice. Guard Ruben Brown and tackle Fred Miller were held out with “general soreness,” Smith said, and fullback Jason McKie left practice with the same problem.

Defensive tackle Tommie Harris and linebacker Brian Urlacher participated after sitting out Wednesday.

Nick Hut is a sportswriter for the Northwest Herald.