Tillman, Harris on the mend for Bears defense

Jun 10, 2009 - 9:35 PM LAKE FOREST, Ill.(AP) -- Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman is back and defensive tackle Tommie Harris says he won't be far behind.

Tillman practiced Wednesday for the first time in organized team activities following January surgery to repair a shoulder injury he suffered Sept. 28 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

"It's full strength now," Tillman said of his shoulder. "The doctor said after the surgery I should live until I'm 102."

Tillman, a seven-year veteran with 20 career interceptions, played in 15 games last year despite injuries to both shoulders. He lined up Wednesday with the first-team defense, replacing Zach Bowman at left cornerback.

Harris hadn't been on the practice field at all during OTAs, but made an appearance during the individual skills portion of practice. He missed two games last year due to a knee injury and has been plagued by hamstring and knee problems much of the last three seasons.

"It's as good as I've felt," Harris said.

Harris, who has 24 1/2 career sacks, drew double teams during the 2006 Super Bowl season, enabling other linemen to stage a stronger pass rush. The Bears' pass rush has suffered with Harris hurt.

"I'm on cruise right now," Harris said. "I'm taking time, I'm taking advantage of the offseason and I'm getting ready for training camp. And hopefully I'll get to help the guys when the season comes."

Harris said he plans to be at 100 percent by training camp, but now the problem is overcoming an antsy feeling.

"The biggest part is that when you feel like you want to go out and practice every day, they tell you to slow down a little bit," he said. "The past couple years I rushed myself back."

Linebacker Brian Urlacher, who had been participating in the voluntary workouts, missed Wednesday's session and team officials would not discuss his absence. Running back Matt Forte missed practice with a hamstring injury.

The Bears also announced they had signed their top two draft picks. Defensive tackle Jarron Gilbert and wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias, both third-round picks, were signed to four-year contracts.