Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of email questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
We haven't heard much about Kevin White and his recovery lately. How is he doing and will he be 100 percent at the opening of training camp?
Johnny P.
Huntington Beach, California
Bears general manager Ryan Pace told reporters this week at the NFL owners meetings that receiver Kevin White is "100 percent healthy" and excited to begin the offseason program, which kicks off April 18. Said Pace: "He's got the biggest smile on his face because I think he's eager to show everybody what he can do. So we're fired up about that." Selected by the Bears with the seventh pick in last year's draft, White missed his entire rookie season after undergoing surgery to repair a stress fracture in his shin. The young receiver is so eager to return that the Bears may have to tap the brakes with White a bit at times during their offseason program. Said Pace: "We'll probably have to do that. It's good to have a player that you have to pull back more than you have to push. He's one of those guys you've got to pull back a little bit just because of his attitude."
Will the Bears have to surrender any draft picks if the Saints decide not to match the offer sheet that tight end Josh Hill signed with the Bears?
Danny G.
Oak Forest, Illinois
No, because the Saints tendered tight end Josh Hill at the lowest level for a restricted free agent, they will receive no compensation if they choose not to match the offer sheet that Hill signed with the Bears on Tuesday. By the way, New Orleans has until Sunday to make that decision.
How will the Bears' record last season affect their schedule in 2016?
Maliek D.
For all NFL teams, only two of 16 games on their schedule are based on the previous year's standings. So in 2016 the Bears and their three NFC North rivals all play each other twice plus every team in the NFC East and AFC South. Their two other games are played against teams in the NFC South and NFC West that finished in the same place in the standings as they did. So while the fourth-place Bears will face the Buccaneers and 49ers, the first-place Vikings will play the Panthers and Cardinals, the second-place Packers will battle the Falcons and Seahawks and the third-place Lions will face the Saints and Rams.
