Bears Running Back Jeremy Langford Fine After Foot Injury

By Chris Emma--

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) -- On the first play from scrimmage in Thursday's practice at Halas Hall, Bears running back Jeremy Langford turned the corner and ran full speed for a touchdown.

Needless to say, a foot injury from last Thursday's game that offered a scare is nothing to be concerned over.

"It's getting better," Langford said. "It feels good."

Langford said his left foot was stepped on during the second preseason game last week in New England. The soreness set in after the game. Langford would miss three practices before returning Wednesday. Come Thursday, he was a full participant.

Now in his second season, Langford projects to be the Bears' feature back. He rushed for 537 yards as a rookie but averaged just 3.6 yards per carry.

In filling the shoes of Matt Forte, Langford hopes to become a three-down back, similar to his predecessor.

"I'm definitely getting better at that," Langford said become an every-down player. "Just really playing through contact, catching the ball when I get the opportunity to do so, and then showing my pass-blocking ability, which I really haven't had the chance that much in the preseason so far. I'm really making strides toward that really well."

The Bears intend to utilize their entire stable of running backs, which includes versatility in the form of Langford, Jacquizz Rodgers, Ka'Deem Carey and Jordan Howard. However, Langford will be counted on to play a key role. His health will be important.

Bears coach John Fox confirmed that the virus spreading through Halas Hall had taken a few new players off the field, as cornerbacks Tracy Porter and Kevin Peterson are now battling an illness. However, five Bears returned on Thursday from the illness, including tackle Bobby Massie.

"We got a little bit of a 24-hour thing running around," Fox said.

Additionally, Bears rookies Leonard Floyd and Jonathan Bullard returned to practice. Floyd missed Wednesday's work with a leg injury. Bullard had been excused this week to deal with what he described as a family matter.

Fox said the Bears will operate "business as usual" in Thursday's dress rehearsal third preseason game with the Chiefs, in which the team will play its starters for three quarters.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.