[CBFF] CT: Receivers can't catch a break with injuries

[Victor Waldron]

Receivers can't catch a break with injuries
By K.C. Johnson
Tribune staff reporter

September 4, 2006

Monday was an example of why the Bears kept six receivers on their 
53-man roster.

The oft-injured *Airese Currie* succumbed to a sore knee, while *Justin 
Gage* has a sore side after taking a hit Thursday in Cleveland.

"We don't think it's anything serious," coach *Lovie Smith* said.

Poor health at the position is, though, which is why questions remain 
about a consistent No. 2 threat opposite *Muhsin Muhammad*. *Bernard 
Berrian* returned from a bruised knee and is expected to start Sunday in 
Green Bay.

"We think we can win with these [receivers]," Smith said.

*Step up*

Feeling like they moved from the kids' table to join the grown-ups for 
Thanksgiving dinner, rookies who made the roster received lockers with 
the veterans. Rookies had dressed in a downstairs locker room at Halas Hall.

"That basement is something else," fullback *J.D. Runnels* said. "We had 
a lot of camaraderie down there. You learn a lot as far as how to 
conduct yourself."

Runnels is perhaps the happiest rookie since his sprained right ankle, 
which originally had some talking about injured reserve, is healing fast.

*Extra points*

Rookie defensive end *Mark Anderson*, who wore No. 75 during training 
camp, snared *Michael Haynes'* No. 97 after the former first-round pick 
was cut. ... The Bears signed defensive end *Copeland Bryan*, receiver 
*Mike Hass* and safety *Tyler Everett* to the practice squad. ... 
Defensive lineman *Israel Idonije* sat out practice with a sore ankle 
and tight end *Gabe Reid* missed it with a hip contusion.