Chicago Bears

John Fox hopes practices with Colts are 'competitive' and 'civil'

Published Aug. 19, 2015 9:30 a.m. ET

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The Chicago Bears landed in Indianapolis a few days early for their preseason matchup with the Colts, as the two teams will hold joint practices before going head-to-head in the exhibition.

The #Bears have arrived in Indy. pic.twitter.com/wZ1ZjOuK2i
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 19, 2015

Bears head coach John Fox says it can be helpful to practice with another team, according to ESPN's Jeff Dickerson, but he's also aware of the skirmishes joint practices sometimes create. Earlier this month, the Houston Texans and Washington Redskins saw their practice in Richmond, Va., turn into an all-out brawl.

"I just think it’s important to see other people, the styles of play," Fox said, per ESPN. "They’re a playoff team from a year ago and I know their staff pretty well; they’re good guys and look forward to it being competitive and yet civil."

Most players enjoy the opportunity to hit someone other than their own teammates. Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long is one of those guys, according to Zach Zaidman of the Bears Radio Network.

"We get tired of hitting each other," said #Bears RG Kyle Long. "So we're excited to hit some guys with horseshoes on their helmets."
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) August 19, 2015

The Bears, who topped the Miami Dolphins, 21-10, in their preseason opener, will take on the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. EST.

(h/t ESPN)