The door is still wide open to competition for J'Marcus Webb's job at left tackle for the Bears. (Brian Cassella/Tribune photo)
BOURBONNAIS — The Bears put some fine new offensive weapons on display in a three-week training camp stay at Olivet Nazarene University but things came full circle on the offensive line.
The team will pack its bags and head north after a walk-through Friday without knowing who will protect the blind side of Jay Cutler this season.
J'Marcus Webb and Chris Williams opened camp in a competition that looked like it lasted only four days in full pads before ending. Williams was moved to right tackle but Webb, with time exclusively as a starter, couldn't pin the job down and now it looks wide open entering Saturday's exhibition with the Redskins at Soldier Field.
"We want to get all of our positions solidified, but not many of us performed the way we needed to last week," coach Lovie Smith said. "But I assume we're all going to do a better job this week, left tackle included."
Williams, who rotated snaps with Webb on Thursday with the team working off cards and in shells, will get time with the starters against the Redskins. Offensive coordinator Mike Tice said a decision might not be made until after the third exhibition next week against the Giants.
"I feel like I am doing what Coach is asking me to do," Williams said. "Trying not to make any mistakes. I'll let the rest sort itself out."
Inside Izzy: One sign the Bears are becoming more comfortable with first-round pick Shea McClellin is a nickel package that moves defensive end Israel Idonije to tackle, where he had played plenty before the last two seasons. They could be going to that look more in pass-rushing downs with Julius Peppers and McClellin at end. They worked on it in practice Thursday.
"The first practice (back at tackle), my first couple of snaps you're just getting used to the timing," Idonije said. "The hands come quicker. Everything happens a little quicker inside."
Solid camp: While McClellin turned in a productive camp the man who was drafted to fill his role in 2010 also has made progress. Corey Wootton, a fourth-round pick from Northwestern, entered camp at a bit of a crossroads with the Bears. So far, he's looked the part and the key is he finally has remained healthy.
"It feels good to be explosive like myself," Wootton said. "The biggest thing is just consistency every snap."
For Wootton, he will have to deliver in the coming exhibitions games to secure a spot but he has had a strong start.
A look at RGIII: The Bears will see Redskins rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III Saturday. The Heisman Trophy winner out of Baylor was impressive in his debut, completing 4 of 6 passes for 70 yards and a touchdown against the Bills.
"His college coach (Art Briles) is an old high school friend of mine, so of course I've followed them and him quite a bit," Smith said. "It seems like most of the quarterbacks these days are athletic, and can beat you moving around, buying time to complete passes and he can do that."