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LAKE FOREST, Ill. – The Bears aren’t allowed to hit until the pads come on in training camp, but that doesn’t mean that this weekend’s non-contact minicamp practices won’t be intense.

For the first time since the offseason program began March 29, the Bears offense and defense will square off in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills during two practices Friday and Saturday and one Sunday.

“We know we’ve made a lot of improvement, but you want to see it in a competitive environment,” said coach Lovie Smith. “It’s the first time [the offense will face the defense] and guys are excited. 

“I know we’re going to be a good football team. But to see it all come together is exciting.”

After finishing 7-9 and missing the playoffs for the third straight year in 2009, the Bears made several key changes. They revamped their offensive coaching staff by hiring coordinator Mike Martz and three new position coaches, and bolstered their defense by signing marquee free-agent end Julius Peppers and reacquiring safety Chris Harris in a trade with the Carolina Panthers.

The Bears addressed other needs in free agency by signing running back Chester Taylor and tight end Brandon Manumaleuna and in the draft by selecting Florida safety Major Wright and Northwestern defensive end Corey Wootton with their first two picks.

The Bears will conduct two-a-day minicamp practices for the first time since Smith’s first two years as coach in 2004 and 2005. New offenses were also being installed those two seasons as well, but the Bears coach insisted that that’s only part of the reason for having five minicamp practices instead of three.

“We just feel like we want to take advantage of the opportunities, and getting two more practices in is big,” Smith said. “Also, we’ve gone three years without making the playoffs, so you want to shake things up a little bit. Every day we’ve been out on the football field we’ve gotten better. So we have a couple more opportunities to get better.”

Most eyes at minicamp will be focused directly on Martz, quarterback Jay Cutler and a Bears offense that looks to rebound after ranking 23rd in the NFL and struggling with interceptions last season.

So far, Smith has liked what he’s seen from the team’s offensive players during the offseason program.

“They’ve taken to it fully,” Smith said. “They’re excited about it. Any offensive player should be excited about our brand of football that we’re going to play, especially the skill guys. Jay is excited. So are the receivers. 

“All of our skill guys will have opportunities to make plays. I’ve seen the excitement out here just running plays on air. I know they’re excited to see exactly how they match up against a good defense.”

On the mend: Manumaleuna, center Olin Kreutz and punter Brad Maynard will not participate in the minicamp practices while they recover from injuries. Linebacker Nick Roach and wide receiver Earl Bennett will be limited. Manumaleuna and Bennett both underwent minor knee surgery. 

Defensive tackle Tommie Harris and linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa will practice once a day.