[bears9]

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- Kevin Jones got some company working out on the side during practice Monday as center Olin Kreutz did some running for the first time.

Kreutz could be a ways from returning after a procedure this month to correct an Achilles tendon, while the Bears hope rookie offensive tackle Chris Williams will be back in the next few days. He has missed four days and five practices with a back issue.

''It's just real sore trying to get where I can ... do what I do comfortably,'' Williams said. ''Everybody is like, 'When are you going to hit the field? I can't wait to see.' I can't rush it back.''

In the meantime, John St. Clair has a firmer hold on the left tackle job. Kreutz's understudy, Josh Beekman, has had difficulty anchoring because he's undersized. It's not known if Beekman will have a chance to get in the mix at left guard.

BEARS IN BRIEF: Williams not rushing back :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Bears