Bear Necessities: Matt Adams, Joe Thomas battling at SAM linebacker

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The Chicago Bears have a battle brewing at linebacker between Matt Adams and Joe Thomas, who are competing for playing time and reps.

Defensive coordinator Alan Williams praised the play of both Adams and Thomas, who have been standouts through the first couple of weeks. Adams comes to Chicago with a knowledge of Matt Eberflus’ defense during his time with the Indianapolis Colts. Meanwhile, Thomas has excelled taking the ball away through these first 10 practices.

“I heard Nick [Morrow] mention the other day in his [press] conference he said the reason why Matt’s here is because he understands the defense, because he plays with high tempo, because he’s physical,” Williams said. “And then Thomas, he stands out because he’s leading the group in turnovers. We keep track of how many guys have intercepted the ball, how many balls you’ve knocked out, how many scoop and scores and he’s leading the group. So those two guys are standouts right now.”

Roquan Smith remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list since the start of camp, and he remains locked in a contract dispute. While there’s no doubt Smith will be the starter at weak-side linebacker when he returns, there’s been some shake-up in his absence.

Adams has been taking reps at weak-side linebacker with Nicholas Morrow in the middle. Thomas has been on the strong side, but the expectation is Adams will move to the strong-side role once Smith returns.

“Whoever you have, you gotta play with whoever you have and that’s reality in the NFL,” Williams said. “If you spend your entire time thinking about what you don’t have instead of what you do have solving in terms of what you do have, you’ll be behind the eight ball,” Williams said. “And that’s not what we’re gonna do and we’re not gonna make excuses and reasons why we can’t. We’re gonna find reasons why we can.”

• The Bears returned to Halas Hall for their 10th practice of training camp. Here’s what we learned from Day 10 of the summer.

• N’Keal Harry can’t seem to catch a break. Harry suffered what appears to be a severe ankle injury.

• Teven Jenkins is back at practice and targeting a starting job — either at tackle or guard. But is it too late for Jenkins?

• The Bears are dealing with a number of injuries at wide receiver, which has allowed guys like Tajae Sharpe to step up with expanded reps.

• Robert Tonyan discusses post-injury expectations, how Packers can get over NFCCG hump. READ MORE ON PACKERS WIRE.

• Kirk Cousins sees ‘high ceiling’ in one Vikings backup tight end. READ MORE ON VIKINGS WIRE.

• Amon-Ra St. Brown has a friendly bet his Lions best his brother Equanimeous’ Bears. READ MORE ON LIONS WIRE.

Story originally appeared on Bears Wire