Starting left guard Matt Slauson's enthusiasm is impossible to miss at Chicago Bears' organized team activities.
The team's sudden release of respected veteran center Roberto Garza left a leadership void on the offensive line that Slauson talked openly in the offseason about wanting to fill.
If Week 2 of OTAs is any indication, Slauson figures to assume a more vocal role both on-and-off the field in 2015, following an injury-plagued second year in Chicago. The left guard played in just five games in 2014 and went on injured reserver in early November because of a torn pectoral muscle.
Now healthy, Slauson stood out on the practice field on Wednesday, raising his arms in the air and high-fiving teammates after almost every offensive touchdown in team drills. The seven-year NFL veteran even managed to pull off an end zone celebration following one particular score. Slauson left his feet -- a rare sight for an offensive lineman -- and touched hips with another player after a successful red zone conversion.
Even head coach John Fox took notice of Slauson's vocal approach.
"He's a veteran player that's been around," Fox said. "Probably last year and he'd probably tell you the same thing it was frustrating. Anytime you get injured as a player and you're not able to go out there with your teammates it's a tough pill to swallow. He's really attacked this offseason. He's been great with our coaching staff and with his teammates and I've definitely seen him take a step forward in the leadership department.”
