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@ NJBearsFan: Would it make sense to put [ wide receiver Tanner] Gentry and [ tight end Adam] Shaheen with Mitch [ Trubisky] and have them grow and build together?

A: I get your point, but there’s an earn- it factor. Shaheen has been active every week but still is behind Zach Miller and Dion Sims. He needs to become a more consistent blocker. That said, he’s a natural pass catcher. It could be time to feature him in red- zone situations. The Bears were 29th in scoring after four weeks. Gentry is a curious case. He was one of the best playmakers in camp and the preseason. The Bears could use some big plays right now. He also developed a rapport with Trubisky. The Bears, though, want him to improve as a special- teamer. He eventually could pass Josh Bellamy, Deonte Thompson and others at receiver. But as a rookie who’s the fifth or sixth receiver, he needs to play special teams.

@ 8Matchi: [ Safety Adrian] Amos has [ zero] big plays in [ two] solid [ years], and [ Quintin] Demps is out. When does [ Deon] Bush start? Is he a long- term strong safety? [ Are] he and [ Eddie] Jackson the future?

A: The Bears have struggled to find consistent playmakers at safety for years. It spans different regimes, too. Under coach John Fox and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the Bears have had seven starters: Amos, Bush, Jackson, Demps, Antrel Rolle, Harold Jones- Quartey and Chris Prosinski. Jackson beat out Amos in camp because of his playmaking skills and interceptions. And Demps’ injury does allow for another competition to take place between Amos and Bush. A hamstring injury has hindered Bush. He made his 2017 debut against the Packers. Fangio likes Bush’s range. He just needs to make plays in practice to beat out Amos, who hasn’t made an interception in 31 career starts. That’s what Jackson did in camp.

— Adam Jahns