After contract impasse, hamstring issue, Roquan Smith's emergence will be big deal for Bears

CHICAGO - With flames bursting into the August air, Bears players sprinted out of the tunnel Saturday, a theatrical entrance to an otherwise ho-hum day. Behind the pack, prized rookie Roquan Smith walked to the home sideline in a pair of workout shorts and a navy blue Bears T-shirt.

For those hoping for a first glimpse of Smith in action at Soldier Field, the wait continues.

First a contract holdout. Now a left hamstring issue. The chances of building confidence or momentum for the regular season are disappearing by the day. The questions still linger.

When exactly will Smith be ready to play? How much has his development been hindered by missing so much time?

The Bears haven't closed the door officially on the possibility of Smith seeing at least some action Thursday in the preseason finale against the Bills. But given the bubble wrap coach Matt Nagy put