By Chris Emma–

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. (CBS) — From the vantage point of a linebacker, it seems Jacquizz Rodgers disappears.

When the Rodgers takes the handoff and the hulking offensive line emerges from stance, the shifty 5-foot-6 running back is hard to track down.

“That’s an advantage I’d say I have,” Rodgers said after Monday’s practice.

A four-year NFL veteran, Rodgers came to Chicago from Atlanta with the task of backing up Matt Forte. The Bears have bounced through several backups to Forte, but Rodgers brings something different.

The frame of Rodgers would suggest he’s a speedster who can beat defenders with finesse, but his stature is something that has motivated him to be more than that.

“He’s a tough guy,” Bears receiver Eddie Royal said. “He’s not the biggest guy, but you know he’s a tough guy. Just seeing him in there behind those big linemen, he gets lost. But then when you hit him, he’s solid. He’s going to be a great back for us.”

In Atlanta, Rodgers rushed for 1,116 yards and five touchdowns in four seasons, doing so in a reserve role. He averaged 3.7 yards per carry during that time, serving as an important backup to Michael Turner and Steven Jackson. However, an important piece to his duties came in the passing game, where he recorded 155 catches.

How will the Bears utilize Rodgers? That’s for coach John Fox and offensive coordinator Adam Gase to decide, but his play has impressed the new coaching staff.

“He’s a very steady, solid football player in all phases,” Bears running backs coach Stan Drayton said. “He’s very accountable, doesn’t make a lot of mistakes, and he’s a tough nut.”

With Forte in the final year of his Bears deal, how the team will balance out carries remains to be seen. However, Rodgers is also signed to a one-year deal in Chicago, meaning he also has something to prove.

Rodgers, just 25, could earn the Bears’ backup running back role for the coming years or perhaps may even get a chance to earn a starting nod, especially if the team is transitioning away from Forte.

For now, Rodgers is using his valuable training camp time to make a strong impression. He feels the Bears’ offense can have a big season.

“It’s a very explosive offense,” Rodgers said. “At every position, there are guys that can make plays. Once we get this thing rolling, I think we’re going to be a hard offense to stop.”

Of course, all the Bears can ask from Rodgers is to be an important role player. Anything more than that is great.

Thus far, Rodgers has stood out in Bears training camp — even when he seems to vanish.

“A low center of gravity and great balance — that’s a great combination for being a smaller back,” Drayton said. “We feel he can be very productive in this offense.”

Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.