Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice praised the progress of Gabe Carimi on Wednesday, but also expressed concern about whether the second-year tackle is recovered fully from last year's season-ending knee injury in Week 2. Carimi had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in November and then underwent another procedure in December before returning to practice this offseason. The first-round draft pick from Wisconsin took reps off during training camp but looked healthy during three exhibitions. "He's going to take a while to be up to full speed," Tice said. "The endurance in his leg is going to come with game time.'' Carimi is slated to start at right tackle alongside right guard Lance Louis, center Roberto Garza, left guard Chris Spencer and left tackle J'Marcus Webb. Reserve Chris Williams is the swing tackle. "We're going to certainly be very careful if it appears that he's getting tried,'' Tice said of Carimi. "We have other guys — Chris (Williams) — who can spell him. But I'm anxious to see Carimi play. "He came on real well at the end of preseason, really was run-blocking well. His pass protection has gotten better, so I'm excited to see how he matures. He's a big part of what we're trying to do.'' Source: Chicago Tribune
