Takeaways from Chicago Bears’ first day of mandatory minicamp

The Chicago Bears returned to Halas Hall for their first practice of mandatory minicamp, and it was certainly an eventful day.

There was plenty to unpack following Tuesday’s practice, including the notable absence of star pass rusher Robert Quinn, who was the only player not in attendance. Also making headlines included Dakota Dozier being carted off the field with an apparent leg injury, Velus Jones Jr. continuing to impress and more experimentation with the offensive line.

Chicago has two more practices on Wednesday and Thursday before breaking for the summer.

Here’s what we learned from the first day of Bears minicamp:

1
Robert Quinn’s absence is unexcused

AP Photo/Duane Burleson

Robert Quinn wasn’t present as the Bears kicked off mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. It came shortly after Ian Rapoport reported that Quinn wasn’t expected to show as he continues to train on his own.

Head coach Matt Eberflus refused to address Quinn’s absence, but he did confirm that it was unexcused. He wants Quinn present, but he’s leaving it to GM Ryan Poles to deal with.

Safety Eddie Jackson wasn’t worried about Quinn’s absence.

“Not really. It’s Rob,” Jackson said. “He’s been in the league for a while and I’m pretty sure he has his reasons. We’re just waiting on him to come back. We know he’s going to come back in tip top.”

2
Teven Jenkins still with second-team offense

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

Right tackle Teven Jenkins made headlines last week after he was working with the second-team offense during the final week of organized team activities. Eberflus said not to read into it — that they’re experimenting with different combinations.

But Jenkins was once again working with the second-team offense as rookie Braxton Jones and Larry Borom were the starting left and right tackles, respectively, as minicamp began.

Eberflus said Jones and…