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.
With Kyle Long and Sherrick McManis both now on injured reserve, who is the longest tenured player on the Bears' 53-man roster?
Aaron P.
Roselle, Illinois
It's a three-way tie for longest tenured Bears player between three members of their 2014 draft class: First-round cornerback Kyle Fuller, sixth-round punter Pat O'Donnell and seventh-round left tackle Charles Leno Jr. They are also the only three players on the Bears' 53-man roster who were acquired before Ryan Pace was hired as general manager in 2015.
I'm really happy about how Anthony Miller has made the most of more playing time. It seemed like he became more involved in the offense even before Taylor Gabriel got injured. Would you agree with that, and if so, why did the Bears start leaning more on him?
Phil K.
Waterloo, Iowa
Yes, Anthony Miller has gotten more opportunities to make plays over the last several weeks, and he's done a great job taking advantage of those chances. There are multiple reasons why the second-year receiver is being targeted more. First, the Bears have employed more four-receiver sets because they've had some injuries at tight end. Miller has also had more opportunities because defenses have routinely double-covered fellow receiver Allen Robinson II. And Miller has become more of a precise route-runner and in doing so seemingly has earned more trust from quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. Asked to explain why Miller has made more plays of late—he has 21 receptions for 271 yards in the last three games—offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich said: "A combination of earning it and a combination kind of just coverage … He's played really well at times, had a couple of times where we needed to clean it up, which he has. But he's a dynamic, dynamic guy, and we need to figure out ways to get him the ball."
I'm so glad to hear that Akiem Hicks is due to return to game action next week against the Packers. Has there been a recent update on Danny Trevathan's status?
Wyatt K.
Marion, Illinois
There's nothing new to report on linebacker Danny Trevathan's recovery from an elbow injury he sustained Nov. 10 in a win over the Lions at Soldier Field. Asked about Trevathan this week, coach Matt Nagy said: "No update yet. I do like where he's at. I haven't had anything good or bad come across my desk. I think he's in a good place and we'll just kind of keep him going and see where it ends up taking us."
