Kreutz placed on the physically unable to perform list
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- The Bears' quarterback derby begins this afternoon without the man who is more qualified than anyone to discuss the franchise's carousel over the last decade.
Center Olin Kreutz has been placed on the physically unable to perform list and will not be cleared to participate in practices until he passes his physical. Kreutz recently underwent a procedure to remove scar tissue from an Achille tendon. It's not believed to be serious and he was moving around fine when players reported to training camp Tuesday.
Kreutz is the iron man of the team entering his 11th season. He has made
86 consecutive starts and that streak would be 116 had he not been forced to miss a 2002 game in St. Louis after having his appendix removed. The six-time Pro Bowl performer otherwise is in top condition and is expected back soon. There is no fear he will miss the Sept. 7 season opener at Indianapolis.
Anthony Oakley and Josh Beekman are candidates to get increased time in Kreutz's absence although coach Lovie Smith mentioned Beekman as being in the mix for the left guard job. Veteran right guard Roberto Garza also has some experience playing center.
Defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek has been set back by another injury, this one to a calf, and is on the non-football injury list. Dvoracek missed a good chunk of the offseason program with a sprained left hand and now is out with a leg injury. He also will have to pass a physical before he will be cleared to take the field. This sets back, at least temporarily, Dvoracek's bid for a starting job.
Running back Kevin Jones,like Kreutz, also begins training camp on the PUP list. Jones is still recovering from the torn ACL in his right knee suffered Dec. 23. He had reconstructive surgery performed by Dr. James Andrews on Jan. 3 and the rehabilitation process can take more than eight months. The Bears want to be careful with Jones and it could be that he's left to do work on the side for the bulk of camp.
Rookie guard Chester Adams, a seventh-round pick, is on the non-football injury list suffering from a stomach ailment.
