Cordarrelle Patterson worked primarily with the running backs as the Bears started full-contact practice at Halas Hall on Monday. The shift is part of Nagy's plan to utilize Patterson more offensively.
Patterson is still listed on the Bears' official roster as a wide receiver, a position that he'll still see some work at. However, he's attending meetings with the team's running backs and working with that group in practice.
"I'm excited to see what he can do there," Nagy said. "We want to be able to get the most out of him. He's a very talented guy. We just feel like when you have weapons like that, you want to find ways to get them the ball."
Patterson had a limited offensive role in 2019, his first season in Chicago. He had 17 rushes for 103 yards while adding 11 receptions for 83 yards. An eight-year NFL veteran, Patterson's work in 2019 marked the second-fewest touches in his career.
Patterson recorded a career-high 42 rushing attempts as part of the Patriots' Super Bowl championship team in 2018.
Patterson, 29, has averaged 9.8 yards per touch in his career.
David Montgomery is set to be the Bears' starting running back, with the versatile Tarik Cohen and Ryan Nall also behind him on the depth chart.
"We're kind of back to physically just making sure we're smart in regards to how we handle him as a vet," Nagy said. "He's been playing this game for a long time, and we want to just make sure that we do it the right way. That's just kind of the plan that we're on right now. It's nothing for us that's concerning. We just want to take out time with it."
Bears defensive back Sherrick McManis was sidelined due to a shoulder issue, Nagy said.