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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, June 10, 2009

NFL: Tillman, Harris on the mend for Bears defense


Associated Press

LAKE FOREST, Ill. � Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman is back and defensive tackle Tommie Harris says he won�t be far behind.

Tillman practiced Wednesday for the first time in organized team activities following January surgery to repair a shoulder injury he suffered Sept. 28 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
�It�s full strength now,� Tillman said of his shoulder. �The doctor said after the surgery I should live until I�m 102.�
Tillman, a seven-year veteran with 20 career interceptions, played in 15 games last year despite injuries to both shoulders. He lined up Wednesday with the first-team defense, replacing Zach Bowman at left cornerback.
Harris hadn�t been on the practice field at all during OTAs, but made an appearance during the individual skills portion of practice. He missed two games last year due to a knee injury and has been plagued by hamstring and knee problems much of the last three seasons.
�It�s as good as I�ve felt,� Harris said.
Harris, who has 24 1/2 career sacks, drew double teams during the 2006 Super Bowl season, enabling other linemen to stage a stronger pass rush. The Bears� pass rush has suffered with Harris hurt.
�I�m on cruise right now,� Harris said. �I�m taking time, I�m taking advantage of the offseason and I�m getting ready for training camp. And hopefully I�ll get to help the guys when the season comes.�
Harris said he plans to be at 100 percent by training camp, but now the problem is overcoming an antsy feeling.
�The biggest part is that when you feel like you want to go out and practice every day, they tell you to slow down a little bit,� he said. �The past couple years I rushed myself back.�
Linebacker Brian Urlacher, who had been participating in the voluntary workouts, missed Wednesday�s session and team officials would not discuss his absence. Running back Matt Forte missed practice with a hamstring injury.
The Bears also announced they had signed their top two draft picks. Defensive tackle Jarron Gilbert and wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias, both third-round picks, were signed to four-year contracts.