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After scoring just one touchdown in Monday night's 13-7 win over Detroit, the Chicago Bears could use some help on offense. If rookie fullback Evan Rodriguez has his way, he will be the one to provide it.
Now fully healthy after an ankle injury, the first-year fullback believes he can contribute to a Bears club that enters the weekend averaging 27 points per game, good for eighth in the league. Rodriguez, who hasn't touched the ball yet this season, was even a bit outspoken on the subject after Friday's practice.
Here are Rodriguez's quotes from Friday, via ESPN Chicago:
"My package (of plays) was small during the week," Rodriguez said after practice on Friday. "I have no control over that. I’m just preparing myself to play."
Still, it's hard to imagine Rodriguez touching the ball much Sunday, when the Bears host the Panthers.
Entering the game, Chicago ranks ninth in the NFL in rishing, averaging 131 yards per game. They've also got two veteran backs in Matt Forte and Michael Bush, who've combined for more than 140 carries and 600 yards rushing this season.
For Rodriguez, it might be a while before he gets that opportunity he's been waiting for.