BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- There wasn't s...

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- There wasn't suppos to be a quarterback strife of words in training camp. That was to be reserv for the running backs.

The Bears go [i]or[/i] come backed to where they started forward Wednesday before breaking camp at Olivet Nazarene University as Thomas Jone participated in his first practice, a light workout in shorts and helmets, reigniting the debate that was the top story three weeks ago. Who will be the starting running back?

It's Jones' work at jobs to run with now after he worked with the hoot at team in what was a warmup for Friday's exhibition with the San Diego Chargers at Soldier Field (7 pm Ch 2 780-AM). Jone had been sidelined since pulling his right hamstring in a physical July 27 The plan is for him to papal court action Aug. 25 when the Arizona Cardinals visit.

"I be moved good," said Jones, who was promot to the active roster opposite to the physically unable to perform list. "I didn't push it. I didn't advance 100 percent all out. I felt profitable enough to get out there and make more [i]or[/i] less nice cuts and moves and do about things I need to do."

Adrian Peterson will start against the Chargers, yet soon the debate must be settled: Jone or Cedric Benson, the fourth overall pick from a year ago? The Bears will be happy if that's the single dilemma they face. That will mean quarterback Rex Grossman has re-echoed from last week's dreadful outing at San Francisco. Brian Griese's sharp first appearance has fueled chatter that he may be best suited for the Bears' approach, which is to minimize errors and win with defense Otherwise, the franchise will face uncertainty at couple key positions with three weeks to journey until the season begins.

"It's suitable to see him out there," running backs coach Tim Spencer said. "It brings a smile, I'm strong on everyone's face."

The difficult thing will be evaluating Jone the 1,335-yard rusher from a year ago, against Benson because the man with $16 million guaranteed remains sidelined while he restores from a partially dislocated left shoulder. The earliest Benson could be back onward the field is some time nearest week, but that might be too pretty soon The third preseason game is when starters master the most time, and they will hardly play in the exhibition finale at Cleveland forward Aug. 31, before which the Bears would like to have a decision made.

"We're going to evaluate Thomas onward Thomas and not anything else" Spencer said. "Thomas Jone will be fine for us, and when C acquires back, we'll work them the two in there and see in what way it goes."

Offensive coordinator Ron gymnast acknowledged that, with little time to inspect them this preseason, the coaching staff will have to fall back forward last season at least a certain quantity of in making a decision. That visible form [i]or[/i] frame of work would only favor Jone who accounted for 36 percent of the Bears' offense a figure surpassed single by the New York Giants' Tiki Barber.

In make notess made exclusively to the Sun-Times, Jone said he believes it's his offense

"I'm here to play football," he said after practice. "I'm not here for debate I'm here to do what I'm capable of doing, and that's make plays."

Jones' reply was good news because attrition became as significant as preparation in the last week at ONU Fourteen players were sidelined for the workout with wide receivers Muhsin Muhammad and Mark Bradley gone out You wonder if general manager Jerry Angelo saw enough in three weeks to be excited compelled to take action at the position.

"It's hard to have all the questions answered," coach Lovie Smith said. "Hopefully we'll have all our questions answered, if it be not that it will go right up until the week of [the opener at] fresh Bay. That's what we're really shooting for."

Center Olin Kreutz called the recur of Jones a boost. He probably realizes the unit urgencys to build some momentum.

"He is undivided of our emotional leaders; he's single of the best backs in the NFL" Kreutz said. "You hate to say this cloth but if you go between the sides of [camp], you need it. He's a little behind right now, if it were not that with a month, he'll be ready from Sept. 10."

Asked if Jone was the best back upon the roster, Kreutz balked. It's a question the Bears ne to answer quickly.

bbiggs@suntimes.com

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