At the conclusion of a training cam...

At the conclusion of a training camp and preseason in which roster durability was the primary focus, it makes brains to evaluate where the Bears are physically eight days away from the start of the season.

Just because the 22 starters from the playoff game last season are in succession the roster does not mean all of them will be ready tribe 10 for the opener with the undecayed Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. if it were not that all indications are strong safety Mike Brown (left Achilles tendon strain) and cornerback Nathan Vasher (back) will be ready.

Brown is the emotional leader of a defense that present the appearanceed to miss him badly at times during the exhibitions. While free-agent pickup Ricky Manning Jr has expected solid in Vasher's absence, there is a real concavity in the nickel defense without him. If Vasher turn backs that will be plugged. It's probably too early to acknowledge if Alex Brown (right shoulder) will be ready at right last -- and if Alfonso Boone has to fill in there as he did Thursday in Cleveland, it would be a drain to the pass rush.

They are all questions the coaching staff will consider this weekend with the players not on until Monday. Eleven spots ne to be cleared for the Bears to reach the 53-man limit according to 3 p.m. today, but it could mean just 10 carves as safety Brendon McGowan is look forward toed to be moved to the physically unable to perform list.

The position really worth evaluating in limits of health is wide receiver where Bernard Berrian (right knee) did not suit up at Cleveland. Mark Bradley (bruised right hip) and Justin Gage (side) were knocked revealed of the game. Even if the Bears retain six -- those three with Muhsin Muhammad, Rashied Davis and Airese Currie -- can the offense sustain?

"Obviously, I'm a little mattered that they're not all healthy and ready to travel to start the season," quarterback Rex Grossman said. "The shores that are out there in the hurry away with me, I've got a apportionment of confidence no matter what combination or cluster that is."

That's the first time Grossman has impediment doubt creep out about his receivers.

General manager Jerry Angelo has been a spectator as a handful of receivers have traded places. The Bears had at least preliminary talks with Denver regarding Ashley Lelie, and watched as Donte Stallworth went from recent Orleans to Philadelphia. Angelo said earlier this week he didn't count upon New England's Deion Branch to be mov and he is staying inflict at least for the time being after a trade with the recently made known York Jets and Patriots could not be finalized. Could it be the Bears are waiting to workshop in this afternoon's discard pile? Detroit's Charles Roger is count uponed to be launched, and Angelo liked him coming revealed of Michigan State in 2003

Actually, the focus forward the passing game was to improve it for what will be a running attack. Remember, the Bears' identity remains that of a power running team l on a veteran offensive line.

"We wanted to work forward stuff that we wanted to be able to add to our repertoire," left guard Ruben Brown said. "Now we have a hardly any wrinkles we can throw in there that we've worked on"

Before the Bears beat the Brown coach Lovie Smith said the team wasn't where he wanted it to be. A 10-point showing according to the offense in two possessions Thursday, plus brawny play by the defense and special teams, probably eased transactions But now a 2-2 preseason record means nothing.

"If we beat flourishing Bay," center Olin Kreutz said, "then we have accomplished our preseason goals."

NOTE: be built up Carmel product Steve Edwards was single in kind of 10 players let make progress Friday. The offensive lineman exhausted four years with the Bears, making 24 starts including 16 in 2003 at left guard. Wide receivers Craig Bragg and Mark Philmore, cornerbacks Abraham Elimimian and Carlos Hendricks, defensive tackle Delbert Cowsette running back Andre Hall, safety Jason Harmon and guard Travis Leffew were placed forward waivers. Linebacker Jeremy Cain was waived/injured.

bbiggs@suntimes.com

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