[CBFF] NFL: Bears getting ready -- and getting healthy

[Jerry Madsen]

NFL: Bears getting ready -- and getting healthy
Harris, Tillman two key players finally able to join drills

June 12, 2007
BY BRAD BIGGS bbiggs at suntimes.com
With training camp six weeks away, the Bears are healing up nicely as
two key defensive players returned to the field for organized team
activities Monday.

Tackle Tommie Harris and cornerback Charles Tillman finally were
cleared after surgeries and participated in team drills at Halas Hall.
It's a sign that both should be at full strength when the defending
NFC champions report to Bourbonnais, Ill., next month.

Harris underwent surgery in December to repair a torn tendon in his
left hamstring, and Tillman had back surgery in February to repair a
disc.

''Dr. [Dan] Cooper said I might be faster the way they tightened it
up,'' said Harris, who ran sprints after practice. ''My explosion felt
good. I wasn't even pushing it hard yet, so I'm fine.''

Tillman is coming off a season that was worthy of a Pro Bowl trip and
is entering a contract year, as is fellow corner Nathan Vasher.

''By the time we get to camp, I'll be where I need to be,'' Tillman
said. ''I don't think this will hinder me. It feels good shaking a
little rust off.''

Offensive tackle John Tait continues to do work on the side after
ankle surgery, but rookie cornerback Corey Graham was worked into the
mix some. Graham had been on the side while recovering from a broken
leg.

The Bears are expected to take care of another area with an injury
concern by signing fullback Obafemi Ayanbadejo today. The older
brother of linebacker and Pro Bowl special-teams performer Brendon
Ayanbadejo, Obafemi was released by Arizona last week and participated
Monday on a tryout basis.

He will take a physical today and is expected to get a
minimum-salary-benefit contract. He would replace J.D. Runnels, who
has been waived/injured after tearing the ACL in his left knee
Thursday.

The Ayanbadejo brothers played together in Miami. Obafemi was more of
a third-down back with the Cardinals but said he can adapt to the
Bears' scheme.

''If you know my brother, you have a sense of me because we're very
similar,'' said Obafemi, a nine-year veteran. ''I don't think you
could write it out any better as far as what I bring to the table as a
fullback and what I can bring as a veteran player. It's an ideal
situation.''

He will have to stand out on special teams like his brother. The Bears
dressed two fullbacks for only one game last season and consider the
position largely interchangeable with the tight end.

''I was watching him,'' said Brendon Ayanbadejo, who joined the first
team at strong-side linebacker with Hunter Hillenmeyer absent. ''He
was fitting in. It brought me so much energy and emotion for him to be
here.''