Here are five things to watch for at the Chicago Bears' first open organized team activity (OTA) on Wednesday:

1. Ray McDonald reaction: The original news release for Wednesday's event stated that coaches will not be available to speak to the media throughout OTAs. In light of Monday's release of McDonald -- that is a policy the Bears need to revisit. Either team chairman George McCaskey, general manager Ryan Pace, head coach John Fox or defensive coordinator Vic Fangio should field questions on the McDonald situation, and how it affects the football team both on and off the field. Not only have the Bears been publicly embarrassed by this whole ordeal, McDonald was supposed to be a key member of the defense. How do the Bears replace him? Does the organization revisit their policy on signing players with character concerns? Do certain key members of the club regret supporting McDonald? This story is far from over.

2. Jay Cutler's comfort level: Cutler is also off-limits to reporters during OTAs, but the quarterback's ability to learn another new offense will determine if the Bears have a successful 2015 season. How Cutler interacts with offensive coordinator Adam Gase is critical. Both seem enthusiastic about working with one another. However, very few NFL player-coach relationships sour in the stress-free environment of the offseason. We'll see how both men react when the pressure of the regular season rolls around, but these OTA workouts have value for Cutler. The sooner Cutler can master the new offense, the better. Wednesday is also marks the first time reporters will see Cutler throw the ball to first-round pick Kevin White, who has the potential to be an effective playmaker for the embattled quarterback.

3. Paging Martellus Bennett: Best case scenario on Wednesday is to arrive at Halas Hall and see Bennett back on the field with his teammates. The Bears have given no indication that Bennett has joined the voluntary offseason program, but something eventually has to give. Chicago is obviously a better team with Bennett, who led all NFL tight ends in 2014 with 90 receptions. But the Bears have no motivation to extend Bennett's contract, or to trade the tight end unless a team is willing to overpay. A NFL personnel director said two weeks ago that Bennett should give up his quest for a new deal and try again next offseason. Bennett just doesn't have much leverage with a contract that has two years left on it. Plus, the new coaching staff really doesn't know Bennett. Everyone is still in the evaluation phase. Bennett is only subject to a fine if he skips the mandatory minicamp next month, but what's the payoff from missing OTAs? If Bennett has to eventually suck it up and play for the Bears in 2015, he needs to start learning the offense, right?

4. Matt Forte's future: After an early absence from the voluntary offseason program, Forte assured the public he planned to attend OTAs -- despite the Bears refusing to extend his contract. In the final year of his deal, Forte needs another quality season to ensure a nice payday in Chicago, or someplace else. Forte is a workhorse, but Fox is accustomed to having a 1-2 punch in the backfield. Does the head coach alter his philosophy? Keep in mind that Forte played 90 percent of the snaps last year. Is he OK sharing the load? Where does fourth-round pick Jeremy Langford fit in the tailback equation? Forte has not held a news conference since last season; hopefully that changes in the next couple of weeks.

5. Converted outside linebackers: Can Jared Allen play outside linebacker? That is still a question on most people's minds, and OTAs allows the coaching staff to further evaluate Allen's progress at the position. We may get a better idea in the coming weeks where Lamarr Houston and Willie Young stand health-wise. When healthy, is Houston a candidate to replace McDonald at defensive end? Where is Young's best fit in the new 3-4 scheme? The NFL prohibits live contact at OTAs, but there is immense value in observing how linebackers move and drop back into coverage.