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.
I haven't heard anything definitive about the injury that Nick Kwiatkoski suffered last Sunday against the Buccaneers. Is he going to be placed on injured reserve?
Pete H.
Joliet, Illinois
The Bears had yet to make a final determination on the severity of Nick Kwiatkoski's pectoral injury or the recovery time he'll need at least as of Wednesday, with coach John Fox telling reporters: "Believe it or not, we're still looking at it. There's different opinions, but we'll keep you posted. When we find out the more exact length or time involved we'll let you know." Kwiatkoski was injured in last Sunday's loss in Tampa exactly a week after fellow inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman sustained the same injury in the season opener against the Falcons.
Jordan Howard doesn't seem like the same back he was last year during his phenomenal rookie season. Is he injured, or is there another issue the fans aren't aware of?
Kyle P.
Bolingbrook, Illinois
Jordan Howard has been dealing with a shoulder issue, but he insists he's fine. His numbers may be down early in the season because injuries have forced the Bears to employ a makeshift offensive line and the offense hasn't really shown much of a vertical passing threat, which has enabled opposing defenses to stack eight defenders near the line of scrimmage. Offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains believes that Howard is the same player as last year, saying: "I think he's running hard. We've got to do a better job up front and help him. It wasn't one guy [against the Buccaneers]. It was falling off the block here or there and not finishing the way that we need to up front to help him. When you get him to the second level he's a good back. He's going to break tackles. It's tough for people to tackle him for four quarters. The Atlanta game we were much better than we were against Tampa."
Why hasn't rookie tight end Adam Shaheen seen more playing time early this season?
Michael S.
Santa Clara, California
Adam Shaheen is still in the process of transitioning from Division II Ashland University to the NFL. It isn't easy, especially given that he wasn't really asked to block in college and that's a crucial requirement at his position in the NFL. Here's what offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains had to say about Shaheen this week: "Where he is right now, it's kind of like Tarik [Cohen]. With these young players you've got to give them a role because they can't handle everything. Adam's done a good job. We need to play him a little bit more and we will. As it keeps going on, his role will get better every week hopefully."
