The Sports Xchange

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Kyle Long remained at tackle again Wednesday at the Chicago Bears minicamp, but this time moved over to the left side instead of the right.

Coach John Fox called it more a case of building depth and versatility into the line at a time when the team can afford this.

“I think it’s an injustice to just throw a guy, even as simple as it sounds, left to right, whether you’re doing it with a corner or an outside backer or a guard or a tackle — they need to practice it,” Fox said. “This is a good time of the year to kind of get the technique, the sets, and all of the different communication that has to happen with the O-line.”

–All the plays David Bass has been making in minicamp after moving from defensive end to linebacker caught Fox’s attention.

“I think he’s worked very hard,” Fox said. “(Linebackers coach) Clint Hurtt and (defensive coordinator) Vic (Fangio) have done a good job working with those guys and teaching them. I think sometimes new is better and he’s taken to it pretty well.”

–Shea McClellin has been the object of many a complaining Bears fan’s disappointment after failing to contribute much as a first-round draft pick, but the team continues to think it can get something out of him at his third position in four years, inside linebacker.

The interesting aspect is a player who hasn’t been able to find a niche is now calling defensive signals with the first team, since Jon Bostic hasn’t been able to practice due to injury.

“I think he’s a smart, young player,” Fox said about McClellin. “I think he’s been moved around. I think he’s been in some different systems. I think he’s adapted pretty well. We’ll get to see where that goes when we get to training camp and when we conclude this camp.”

–Although free-agent acquisition Jarvis Jenkins is the Bears’ only defensive lineman with real 3-4 experience, he is finding some differences in the version Fangio employs and what he was using while with the Washington Redskins.

“Under Vic, it’s a lot more up-field,” Jenkins said. “It’s a little more freedom — not much — but his defense is a little more technical because you’ve got a lot of guys tied into one play. It’s a little bit more technical and your job and your responsibility is very major because if one person messes up, it screws up the whole continuity of the defense.”

–Wide receiver Marquess Wilson talked with Fox on Wednesday regarding his chances as a fourth receiver to get more playing time or be active on Sundays.

“There will be spots on this football team that are for fourth-down guys, core special teams players,” Fox said. “It’s not always going to be the third or fourth tight end or the fourth-best safety. These guys will have to contribute in the kicking game and be good performers in these areas.”

Wilson really hasn’t had much impact or experience in this regard in the past.