A ‘different' Chris Williams returns to tackle

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You know something is different, something...

Its not just that hes a tackle again. Its something else...

Aaaah, the mustache is gone.

Yep, shaved it off, Williams said, laughing.

Maybe its for speed, being back at right and left tackle rather than the guard hes played for the better parts of the last two seasons?

At guard you can go a couple more pounds, Williams said, but my weight hasnt changed officially.

His position has, however. As expected since the end of last season, Williams is back at tackle, the position for which he was drafted in 2008, and playing both right and left, alternating with JMarcus Webb in what is the No. 1 position battle of this offseason.

Gabe Carimi is not practicing yet on his surgically repaired knee but he is expected to slide back into his right-tackle spot when hes deemed ready.

Since Carimi was declared by then offensive line coach Mike Tice as the Bears best offensive lineman last year before he was injured, that leaves Webb and Williams competing for the critical post of left tackle.

Webb and Williams each took reps at both tackle spots on Wednesday, the second day of offseason team activities. But this is a long, long way from training camp and it is permissible hitting that truly determines who starts and who is the swing tackle.

Williams went down with a season-ending injury to his left wrist in game nine vs. the Detroit Lions. He is playing without a cast or brace, just a complete tape-up of the wrist, so now its just fun playing, being out here after missing the last half of the season, Williams said.

Im working technique, just trying to get ready for the swing of things. Football is football. O-line play is pretty much the same across the board, just a matter of who youre blocking. I like to think I can play anywhere so Im just working, just glad to be back with the team.

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