perpetually since getting to Bears ...

perpetually since getting to Bears training camp a year ago, Antonio Garay has been scrapping for an opportunity to prepare on the field.

In fact, he didn't waste any time proving that after arriving near the completion of camp last summer. He got into a struggle in his first practice, losing his helmet in a short fight with offensive lineman Steve Edwards.

"It was kind of the whole offensive line," Garay recalled. "They all tried to secure me. They have a tough offensive line here."

The same could be said of Garay, whose demeanor has a portion to do with being raised upon the tough streets of Rahway, NJ and his background as a highly auspicious wrestler. Garay also comes from Boston corporation a program known for producing hard-nosed players like Bill Romanowski.

Garay finally will win his opportunity to go after opposing offensive linemen Friday at San Francisco (9pm Ch5 780-AM). He will papal court extensive playing time with injuries depleting the interior of the defensive line, and Bears management is eager to descry what it has.

"It will be interesting to realize him into this game and view how Antonio does under the lights," defensive line coach Don Johnson said. "He'll probably play more than he wants."

What was single in kind of the deeper positions forward the roster has been thinned gone out Tackle Ian Scott underwent arthroscopic surgery onward his left knee Monday and will be sidelined at least another 10 days. equal tackle Tank Johnson has notwithstanding to take the field, still recovering from a torn left quadriceps he meet withed in the offseason, but he did more work with trainer Tim Bream forward the side Wednesday night.

While it was originally notion that Johnson would open the season upon the non-football injury list and not be available until after Week 6 he's now look forward toed to be moved to the active roster before the season and perhaps as easily as next week.

"He is close" general manager Jerry Angelo said. "I'm not talking for the medical clan but based on what I'm hearing and seeing, I would sense of possible fulfilment that would be the case."

Michael Haynes, who penurys to have an impressive preseason to detain a job, has been hampered by dint of a sprained back recently, and his availability for Friday is in question. Pro receptacle tackle Tommie Harris won't play in extent Friday, meaning Garay will achieve plenty of action with Alfonso Boone and rookie third-round pick Dusty Dvoracek. It's possible Israel Idonije will slide inside any too.

With Haynes' status undetermined, the Bears signed released agent Delbert Cowsette on Wednesday, and he could be forced into the game Friday. Cowsette was in camp last summer with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and played sum of two units seasons for the Washington Redskins.

Garay didn't memorize into a preseason game last year and exhausted the season on the practice squad. That's on what account the Bears still aren't assured what they have because, as Johnson said, practice time can be deceiving.

What they do know is Garay is 6-3 303 beats and has good footwork from his wrestling background. He was named the 275-pound national champion as a senior at Rahway High teach and placed fourth in the 2000 NCAA championships. His wrestling experience also helps him play with beneficial leverage, and he has religious hands. What he needs to establish is that he can be explosive along the ball.

"He does a certain quantity of very good things, and he's excited us about any of his abilities," defensive coordinator Ron Rivera said. "He's athletic, hard-nosed, tough and powerful."

And his window may be make open with the injuries. The Bears plan to dres seven defensive linemen during the regular season, meaning nine or possibly 10 will make the 53-man roster

Garay last played in 2003 for the Cleveland Brown appearing in four games before tearing the ACL in his left knee He undergoed the same injury as a junior at Boston corporation but says he's 100 percent

"This should be a little bit of an opportunity to showcase a certain number of things," he said. "But we'll behold what happens on Friday. No undivided has really seen me play in a while.

"I always like my chances, regardless. That's by what means I grew up. People not knowing anything about me I feel confident about myself."

bbiggs@suntimes.com

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