Corey

Wootton

Wootton hopes to graduate to full practices next week. Nick Reed and Mario Addison will rotate in behind starters Julius Peppers and Izzy Idonije against the Falcons this week.

According to the Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs, Wootton will be sidelined for “several” weeks. A rotational end behind starters Julius Peppers and Izzy Idonije, Wootton has been active for just one game so far this season.

Fully recovered from a broken hand that limited him last season, the 2010 fourth-rounder Wootton is as healthy as he’s been in the NFL. Wootton has dropped his body/fat to 11 percent so he’ll be able to “run all day” in training camp.

Chicago has rotated Julius Peppers, Israel Idonije, Shea McClellin, Henry Melton, and Cory Wootton between DT and DE. “We’ve moved all of our defensive linemen different places, and that could all change next week,” coach Lovie Smith said. “That’s the beauty of having the type of athletic ability we have there.” The Bears currently have four defensive linemen ranked in the top 40 in sacks.

Wootton (6-foot-6, 270) will be the starter at left end, but Chicago uses its defensive linemen all over the front. Since the team has opted not to re-sign DE Israel Idonije, who frequently kicked inside, Wootton is getting the first crack at Izzy’s old position. The former fourth-round pick is entering the final year of his rookie deal. Wootton recorded eight sacks last season.

Wootton entered 2012 training camp on the roster bubble after the addition of first-round pick Shea McClellin, but made major strides during the season as a rotational end behind Israel Idonjie and Julius Peppers. Wootton, who will be in a contract year in 2013, finished 2012 with seven sacks and two forced fumbles. He’s ideally built to play left end at 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds.

We thought it was the ACL tear that caused Wootton’s free fall, but it turns out that was only part of it. At least three teams did not have Wootton on their draft board because of the neck and others had him downgraded severely. If Wootton ends up healthy, he’d go down as a steal for the Bears.

A mammoth talent from nearby Northwestern, Wootton has long-term starting potential as a strong-side end if he can overcome knee and neck injuries. For now, he’s behind Mark Anderson and Israel Idonije opposite Julius Peppers.

Corey Wootton and Shea McClellin are the two competitors. Emery says the Bears will monitor practice this week and make a decision ahead of Sunday. Wootton seems to be the front-runner, but both players are going to see an increased role from last season. Wootton will kick inside on passing downs.

Wootton underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum following the season. “I’m probably going to test the market and see what’s out there,” Wootton said about free agency. “I’m just really excited to see what’s going on. Obviously, I would like to stay with the Bears, but I don’t know how it’s looking.” Wootton isn’t expected back in Chicago but should draw significant interest as a versatile lineman.