Omiyale got the start in this past Saturday's preseason opener at Buffalo, while Beekman was relegated to second-team duty. During Wednesday's morning mini practice before the 7:00 p.m. workout at Ward Field, Beekman was the last player off the field because he was getting some extra work – with shotgun snaps. Bears fans should assume, therefore, that Beekman is no more than the immediate backup to Olin Kreutz at center in addition to being a reserve guard.

On the other side of the ball, Trumaine McBride has shown steady improvement at cornerback with all the extra reps he's been getting on defense the last few practices. McBride delivered the highlight of the morning, covering Earl Bennett tightly on a fly pattern down the right sideline, breaking up the throw from Jay Cutler and watching it bounce directly into the waiting arms of Kevin Payne for a gift INT. Charles Tillman and Zack Bowman are both on the mend and getting better, but no official timetable has been set for their return.