August 11, 2007
Olsen wastes little time before making impact
By Larry Mayer
HOUSTON – It didn’t take long for Bears first-round draft pick Greg Olsen to produce in Saturday night’s 20-19 preseason-opening win over the Houston Texans.
The rookie tight end from Miami caught a 5-yard pass from quarterback Rex Grossman on the game’s first play from scrimmage, then hauled in a 12-yard pass later on the same drive.
Rookie tight end Greg Olsen picks up extra yards during Saturday's win in Houston.
“It felt good to get in the game quick and get that first catch and try to get in a little rhythm,” said Olsen, the 31st overall pick in the draft. “It was a good way to start.”
Olsen started the game in a two-tight end set along with veteran Desmond Clark.
“We wanted to get [Olsen] involved early and we were able to do that,” said coach Lovie Smith. “I have a feeling he’ll make a lot of those catches during the course of the year. It was just good to get him in his first game to get that out of the way and let him go from there.”
Olsen enjoyed playing in his first NFL game. “It felt good,” he said. “It was good to come out here and get my feet wet a little bit and just get in the fire.”
Lineup changes: Middle linebacker Brian Urlacher, defensive tackle Tommie Harris and offensive tackle John Tait did not dress for Saturday night’s game, but all would have played had the contest occurred in the regular season.
Jamar Williams started in place of Urlacher, Darwin Walker filled in for Harris next to nose tackle Dusty Dvoracek and John St. Clair replaced Tait in the starting lineup.
Other Bears who did not suit up included fullback Jon Goldsberry, linebacker Michael Okwo and offensive tackle Aaron Brant.
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Olsen wastes little time before making impact - Chicago Bears