Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
How has David Montgomery looked in offseason practices?
Robert S.
Flint, Michigan
David Montgomery has been very impressive from what I've seen of him this offseason, both in rookie minicamp and OTA practices. There aren't many running plays called in non-contact workouts and I suspect that he'll look even better when the pads come on in training camp because he's known for his ability to avoid tackles and bounce off defenders. But the third-round pick from Iowa State has shown excellent ability as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. He has very good hands and appears to be a natural route runner. Off the field, I'd describe his personality as serious, quiet and determined. You can tell he wants to be great and is willing to work hard to accomplish his goals.
How many Bears players have worn the No. 13?
Dave F.
Naperville, Illinois
Fourteen players in Bears history have worn the No. 13, including two Hall of Famers in center George Trafton (1920-32) and tackle Joe Stydahar (1936-46). Receiver Johnny Knox wore No. 13 from 2009-11. A fifth-round draft pick, Knox was voted to the Pro Bowl as a rookie return specialist. But he sustained a gruesome back injury that ended his career late in the 2011 season. The last Bears player to wear No. 13 in a regular season game was receiver Kendall Wright in 2017. Others who've worn No. 13 for the Bears include Guy Chamberlin (1920-21), Monte Merkel (1942-43), Jake Sweeney (1944), Frank Ramsey (1945), Bob Snyder (1945), Thurman Garrett (1947-48), Jack Dugger (1949), Rick Mirer (1997), Rashad Ross (2014) and Kevin White (2016). Receiver Marvin Hall is currently wearing the number with the Bears. The fear of the No. 13, by the way, is known as "Triskaidekaphobia."
I haven't heard much about undrafted receiver Emanuel Hall since the rookie minicamp. How has he looked going against some of the veterans?
Arnie T.
Glyn Ellyn, Illinois
Bears coach Matt Nagy revealed this week that rookie receiver Emanuel Hall, an undrafted free agent from Missouri, recently underwent a procedure that was very similar to the sports hernia surgery that tight end Trey Burton had earlier this offseason. Said Nagy: "[Hall] had some issues coming out of college, so we just said, 'Let's see where he's at when he got here.' It just started nagging him a little bit and we said, 'Let's go in and just get it all fixed so when you get back here for training camp, we're ready to go.' So that's where that's at."
