LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — First-year Bears head coach Ben Johnson was drawn to this job in Chicago in part because of the chance to work with second-year quarterback Caleb Williams.
That opportunity got started in earnest on April 7, when the Bears reported to Halas Hall for their offseason program. From there, Johnson conducted meetings with Williams and began installing his offensive scheme as the team worked through practices in OTAs and minicamp.
Throughout their early time together, Johnson has been impressed with the 24-year-old Williams.
“I do think we’ve seen him getting better in really all facets,” Johnson said Tuesday afternoon.
“I feel pretty confident, the things that he’s put on tape, that we can go on and get after it a little bit.”
Williams threw for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns and six interceptions in 17 starts as a rookie last season. The Bears went 5-12 and endured a 10-game losing streak that led to the firing of head coach Matt Eberflus and his staff.
The Bears coveted Johnson as their new head coach in part because of his background building and directing offense and their belief in his ability to connect with quarterbacks.
The Bears are concluding their offseason program with three voluntary practices this week, with the final session coming Wednesday. Rookies are required to attend, while veterans were invited for work.
Williams and second-year receiver Rome Odunze have been present for practice this week, which caught Johnson's attention.
"He's committed to learning the offense,” Johnson said. “We’re not where we need to be as a team yet. He understands that. Every chance he gets to get full-speed reps, he wants them."
Injury report
Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland (shoulder) and rookie receiver Luther Burden III (undisclosed) remained sidelined from practice Tuesday.
Loveland is still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, which he underwent in late January. He anticipates being cleared in time for training camp. Burden is dealing with an undisclosed soft-tissue injury.
While Johnson declined comment on Burden’s health, he's expected to be cleared in time for training camp.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.