Enis Goes To Camp

Running back Curtis Enis reported to work Tuesday with no hard feelings for the Chicago Bears following more than a month of tough, acrimonious contract negotiations.

Enis, the fifth pick in the draft, settled on a three-year, $5.6 million deal with a $3.6 million signing bonus and an option for a fourth year that could pay him $2 million.

The $2 million option kicks in if Enis totals 3,900 yards rushing in the first three years, and gains at least 1,000 yards in each of those seasons.

"It was a wise business decision," Enis said. "I wanted to come in here and play and prove that I can play first. We decided that was the best road to take."

Enis, the No. 3 rusher in Penn State history, agreed to terms two days after he hung up on Bears negotiator Ted Phillips and told him he looked forward to being in another team's uniform next season. Enis threatened to sit out the season and re-enter next year's draft.

"I said some things out of frustration," said Enis, who later called Phillips and apologized. "We all did. There's no hard feelings toward the Bears organization. I'm excited to be here, excited to play football and excited to start a new turn in my life."

Enis practiced Tuesday and will be in uniform for Friday night's exhibition game against Buffalo.

"We'll get him in in the fourth quarter and get him some carries," Bears coach Dave Wannstedt said.

Whether Enis is in good enough football shape by the Sept. 6 opener against Jacksonville remains to be seen.

"If I get the opportunity to play, I'll just play as hard as I can and do what the team wants me to do and expects m to do," he said. "I'm accepting this challenge with open arms, and will do whatever I can to help this team win football games."

Enis is currently the No. 3 tailback on the Bears' depth chart, behind Edgar Bennett and Bam Morris.

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