Bears Blitz

Chicago Bears: Brian Price Struggles During His First Day in Training Camp

Published by Gabe Salgado on August 1, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

On Tuesday defensive tackle Brian Price took the field for the first time as a Chicago Bear after being sent there in a trade with Tampa Bay last week. After passing a physical and conditioning tests, he finally took to the field on Tuesday afternoon.

But his first day was very shaky as he struggled through practice. During position drills and scrimmages Price seemed to make one mistake after another. He was called for being offsides numerous times, committed encroachment, kept jumping the snap count and committed a few other penalties as well.

This may be unsettling considering how Shea McClellin struggled in Sunday’s practice, but take the following into consideration:

1. This is his first day with a new team.

2. He’s learning a new defense.

3. He missed most of the offseason workouts with Tampa Bay due to a death in his family.

4. He also needs to get back into game shape.

Additionally, he is trying to physically rebound from his past injuries. Price has had surgery on both of his hamstrings, among other procedures. It will take some time before he is back to full strength, but the Bears are very high on Price.

He is expected to be in the top four on the depth chart at the defensive tackle position. And with that in mind, hopefully he can get himself together and improve before next week’s preseason opener. Expect him to continue to work with Rod Marinelli and company, and providing he stays healthy, he just might be the player the Bears hope for him to be.

Lovie Smith has never turned down a challenge when it comes to developing players, and this time is no different.