NFC North Notes: Bears, Packers, Vikings

Bears

Bears RB Tarik Cohen mentioned in an interview with Sirius XM NFL Radio that he doesn’t expect his role to change in 2019, despite the team bringing in some new running backs. 

“I feel like I’m going to be doing the same things I was doing last year,” Cohen said. “My role is not going to change. I feel like I still have to be the receiving back, come in, be the change-of-pace back, running the ball, be that speedy guy. So, I’m just prepared for anything, however I get the ball.”

• Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com mentions DL Eddie Goldman and CB Prince Amukamara as two potential cap casualties worth watching for the Bears.

Packers

Packers WR Trevor Davis has stuck with the Packers for his ability as a returner and special teamer. In 2019, though, he’s hoping to attract attention as a wide receiver. 

“I know what I can do on that field,” Davis said via Packer News’ Ryan Wood. “My situation, I came in with three $10 million-paid receivers: Randall Cobb, Tae (Davante Adams) and Jordy Nelson. So in my mind, I was like, ‘To make this team, I’ve got to be a specialist, and I have to do my best at that.’ So I came in and did that, and I kind of got honed in as being an only-specialist guy, because I was real good at it, and kind of lose fact that I came in as a receiver, and what I can do in those parts. So just being able to show that and show that I also can make plays at that position would really help me.”

Davis has performed well during spring workouts, drawing the attention of both HC Matt LaFleur and QB Aaron Rodgers. If Davis can avoid the hamstring injuries that derailed his 2018 season, the opportunity is there for him. 

“The key for Trevor,” Rodgers said, “is just staying healthy. When he’s healthy, he’s been productive for us. He’s been a top-five return guy when he’s fully healthy. The tough thing is finding opportunities to get him on the field, but now with Jordy and James (Jones) and Randall gone, there’s opportunities for him to get in the mix at receiver. He’s making a lot of plays.”

Vikings

Vikings OC Kevin Stefanski offered some praise for WR Chad Beebe, saying that he has been “making a name for himself” in spring practices.

However, Beebe stressed that there’s still a long way to go for him. 

“Obviously those are kind words and I appreciate it,” Beebe said, via the Star Tribune. “But the work is never done. I’m only a second-year guy. I got a lot ahead of me to still do and prove.”

Meanwhile, Gary Kubiak also spoke highly of Beebe’s performance.

“Let’s see how we end up,” Kubiak said. “I think we also have to look at the fact that [Beebe] has probably had as good an offseason as any player that I know on our side of the ball. He’s got a chance to be a really good player for us. It gives us good flexibility to be able to bounce around personnel-wise.”