Bears being patient with WR Kevin White: ‘He’s a work in progress … – Chicago Sun-Times

BOURBONNAIS Its still early, but receiver Kevin Whites slow start in training camp hasnt gone unnoticed.

Hes not where I want him to be or where we need him to be, receivers coach Zach Azzanni said Monday. Hes a work in progress. Hes had a good three days. Good first day, OK second day, much better today. Im pleased with where hes going. Hes going [up], and thats what I want.

White, the Bears first-round draft pick (seventh overall) in 2015, said he isnt putting pressure on himself to live up to high expectations.

Patient but a little bit of urgency, White said when asked about his approach entering camp.

Bears wide receiver Kevin White makes a play in training camp. (Nam Y. Huh/AP)

But Azzanni knows expectations are tough to block out.

Its human nature, Azzanni said. Hes a prideful guy. He has some conscience. He wants to do well for Chicago, for [general manager] Ryan Pace, for coach [John] Fox, for [offensive coordinator] Dowell [Loggains], for me. And I tell him: Dont worry about that. Dont worry about the media and people outside. Just go be the best player you can be.

Azzanni is working on keeping White positive.

You see flashes of what we want him to be, of what he wants to be, Azzanni said. Weve got to block out the noise for him. I cant let him read the papers and media ... because theres going to be some negative in there that gets into his head, and he cant let that happen.

Hes got to be positive. Weve got to go in our bunker, and Ive got to tell him how great he is all the time because he is.

Azzanni wants White to focus on gradual progress in the preseason.

Hes not going to come out here tomorrow and be a Pro Bowl player, Azzanni said. Hes going to work himself into that, and Im going to help him.

This and that

Guard Josh Sitton reported to camp after spending time with his family after his wife had a baby. He likely will participate on a limited basis when the Bears resume practice Wednesday.

Center Hroniss Grasu has taken snaps at guard.

Well continue to evaluate that, but hes done a great job so far, offensive line coach Jeremiah Washburn said.

Outside linebacker Dan Skuta returned to practice after missing three days with soreness stemming from a hip injury.

Players who didnt participate in the non-padded practice: receiver Markus Wheaton (appendectomy), running back Jeremy Langford (ankle), center/guard Eric Kush (hamstring), Sitton, tight end Zach Miller (foot) and outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (knee).

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Email: mpotash@suntimes.com