LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Chicago Bears rookie Hroniss Grasu took some first-team practice reps on Wednesday as the team moves forward without starting center Will Montgomery who landed on injured reserve with a fractured fibula.
“I did [take some first-team reps],” Grasu said. “We were just shuffling guys around. Nothing is set. I’m just going out there and doing what I’m told to do and getting better every single day.
“That decision is up to Coach [John] Fox. Whatever decision is made, I’ll do my best to help this team win.”
The 2015 third-round pick said he added weight in the offseason to better compete at the NFL level. Grasu is listed at 300 pounds on the Bears’ most updated roster.
“I felt good identifying things up there in the preseason, but coming from the system I played in [at Oregon], I needed to add some pounds," Grasu said. "I worked hard every day in the weight room and with my nutrition. I feel good. I gained some pounds. Now I’m ready to roll.”
Left guard Matt Slauson admirably replaced Montgomery at center in Week 4, but Slauson had to spend increased time at guard on Wednesday because Patrick Omameh missed the workout with an ankle injury.
“[Slauson] will be prepared for wherever he starts [in Kansas City],” Fox said.
In addition to Omameh, wide receiver Eddie Royal (ankle), left tackle Jermon Bushrod (concussion/shoulder), cornerback Sherrick McManis (hamstring) and safety Antrel Rolle (ankle) did not practice.
The Bears listed eight players as limited: quarterback Jay Cutler (hamstring), wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (hamstring), defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff (ankle), defensive lineman Will Sutton (elbow), inside linebacker Shea McClellin (elbow), cornerback Alan Ball (groin), punter Pat O’Donnell (knee) and right tackle Kyle Long (back/ankle).
