Bears' Dvoracek eyes healthy return
2 LOST SEASONS | Bears expecting a lot from injury-plagued DT Dvoracek
If Dusty Dvoracek were coming out of college this year, the Bears would like to think he'd be a first-round pick.
More likely, he'd be a medical liability who wouldn't make it onto some teams' boards. But the Bears believe he's a first-round talent, as good as almost any defensive tackle they could get in the draft, even if injuries his first two seasons have made him a question mark. Coupled with Tommie Harris' knee issues and contract status, it's worth wondering whether the team should invest in the position early in the draft given the lack of depth.
(Joseph P. Meier/STNG)
The Bears again have high hopes for Dvoracek, who was given full medical clearance last week after a seven-month rehabilitation from the torn left ACL he suffered in the season opener at San Diego. He's a full go for the offseason workout program that's in its second week.
''I led the guys through the drills and did everything,'' Dvoracek said. ''I'm excited. It's been a long process. Coaches tell me I'm as explosive as ever, and they can't tell I had surgery.''
Bears nose tackles went through a revolving door after the injury to Dvoracek, who had earned the job with a strong training camp and preseason and was exceeding expectations as an emotional leader for the line.
Darwin Walker took his place and got hurt. Anthony Adams did a credible job of filling in before he went down. Walker was banged up further at the end of the year, and the team ended up riding out the season with Matt Toeaina and Jimmy Kennedy getting time. Harris was playing on a bad left leg and didn't know from week to week who would be lining up next to him.
After never seeing the field as a rookie, when a foot injury did him in during the preseason, Dvoracek knows this year will go a long way toward defining his career. The Bears have been patient with safety Mike Brown through myriad injuries because of what he has shown in an eight-year career. Dvoracek's body of work is about 30 snaps.
''Absolutely, this is critical,'' he said. ''Everybody told me they're expecting a huge year out of me, and I had never missed any football due to injury before except for maybe one game in high school when I rolled an ankle.
''Missing because of injuries has been tough. The way I played throughout the preseason and in camp, I think I earned the respect of teammates and showed them what I can do. I showed my best against the Chargers and got an idea that I can not just play at this level, that I can play at a high level. So it was bittersweet.
''I know I can play in this league and be very good. Now it's just a matter of staying healthy.''
NOTE: The Bears will hit the road next week to visit with Virginia guard Branden Albert and put him through a private workout. Some project Albert has the traits to play left tackle.
