LAKE FOREST — Fifth-round running back Jordan Howard confirmed Wednesday a minor hamstring injury has prevented him from practicing since the first rookie minicamp session in May, but he's resumed running and expects to participate in the Bears' three-day minicamp at Halas Hall next week.

"Yeah it’s been tough, but I’ve been in the playbook, learning the plays," said the 6-foot, 230-pound Howard, who earned first-team All-Big 10 honors at Indiana in 2015, his only year in Bloomington after transferring from UAB once it shut down the football program.

As for the process of familarizing with the playbook, Howard acknowledges "it's definitely a lot."

"You definitely have to put time and effort into it because if you don’t, it’s going to show and they’re not going to wait on you to learn the playbook," said Howard.

With just 11 receptions as a junior, Howard will be the first to admit route running and pass protections are the areas of the offense in which he'll need the most work. Almost as quickly, he expresses confidence and eagerness to prove it's not a weakness, only a lack of opportunity coming from an offense that seldom utilized backs as receivers.

"I definitely feel comfortable receiving, just got to get out there and show what I can do," he said.

Howard had even fewer chances on special teams, where he never played in college but said his ability to contribute will be paramount to him earning a roster spot.

"I have to learn how to play special teams to make this team — I’m not guaranteed a spot," he said.

Howard's physicality and determined running style — he likens his game to Marshawn Lynch's — should translate well to the third phase, where all the backs ahead of him have more experience.

But back to the power-running game, which Howard was acquired to bolster. His favorite play at Indiana was called "Giant," a counter play with a tandem of pulling O-linemen for him to follow. It's another example, he said, in which he needs practice reps to build a rapport with his blockers, whose tendencies and pace are critical to learn.

Howard missed four games with ankle and knee injuries last season, the first absence of his collegiate career. Thus, while his rookie offseason has been slowed by the hamstring, he doesn't think concerns regarding his durability are legitimate.

"I feel like I’ve gotten kind of behind, just because I haven’t had reps, but I’ve been paying attention, watching the vets and trying to pick up things they do," Howard said. "I’m back running and everything, they just want me to do a little more rehab. I should be out here next week."