Chicago Bears Release Three Players…Tommie Harris Tops the List
Tommie Harris was a major contributor to the 2006 Super Bowl run by the Chicago Bears. After being hurt during that season, he was never the same player. In recent times, he’s had some off-the-field issues that overshadowed his football skills. The Chicago Bears saw enough and released Harris today along with Hunter Hillenmeyer and Kevin Shaffer.
Hillenmeyer was also a part of the 2006 Chicago Bears. He was slotted to be one of the backup linebackers this season until a concussion suffered during the preseason was serious enough to keep him out of action for the whole regular season and playoffs. It has surfaced that Hillenmeyer hasn’t had many good things to say about the Chicago Bears, but frankly, he was payed for a full season instead of being released which was a strong possibility. He needs to man-up and realize that at the end of the day, he wasn’t very good. Additionally, his status as union representative kept him around as well.
Kevin Shaffer, we hardly knew ya…He had some moments but really is on a long list of forgettable Chicago Bears. While he played OK at times, obviously there’s more to the Kevin Shaffer Story we’ll never know.
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Chicago Bears Place Hunter Hillenmeyer on Injured Reserve
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The Chicago Bears have placed Hunter Hillenmeyer on injured reserve with concussion-related symptoms on Tuesday. Hillenmeyer is an eight year veteran and a favorite amongst fans and teammates.
“I respect the decision of (general manager) Jerry (Angelo) and (head coach) Lovie (Smith) to place me on injured reserve. Concussions by nature are harder to evaluate than other injuries. While this is probably in my best interest and the team’s, it is hard to accept the fact that my season is over in one game,” Hillenmeyer said on statement released by the Chicago Bears.
“As someone who has been in the forefront of player advocacy of concussion awareness, I’m happy to see my team err on the side of caution. But when it is my season that is cut short, it makes the complexity of the issues really hit home.”
Hillenmeyer made headlines this off-season when he agreed to dedicate his brain to study to measure the affects of football on the brain. Earlier in his career, he had another concussion. The NFL has come under fire for underestimating the long-term affects of concussions on players. General manager Jerry Angelo suggests that the Chicago Bears see the bigger picture with this issue.
[picappgallerysingle id="9458995"]“Player health and safety has and always will be a priority with our organization,” Angelo said in a statement. “Unlike other injuries, there is no defined timetable for a concussion. After consulting with our doctors and Hunter, this was the best way to proceed. We will miss his contributions this year, but it is the right decision given Hunter’s circumstances.”
For many years, the term “had his bell rung” or “seeing stars” was commonplace in broadcasts and amongst coaches. Guys would re-enter games even if they did not fully recover from a blow to the head. Troy Aikman of Dallas Cowboys fame said recently he played in a championship game and does not recall any of it. Other players also share similar experiences.
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As much as I am critic of the Chicago Bears organization, this goes down as a classy move. Hillenmeyer received this injury during the third preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. He missed the fourth and final preseason contest against the Cleveland Browns. Despite being cleared to play against the Detroit Lions last Sunday, Hillenmeyer didn’t feel right and missed most of the game. Instead of pushing Hillenmeyer to return, the Chicago Bears put the health of a player over the “get out there and play” mentality.
Chicago Bears Holding Out Brian Urlacher Saturday Night
No one really remembers the preseason anyway, right? But people remember if a franchise player gets hurt. So in a preventive move, Brian Urlacher will not play Saturday against the Arizona Cardinals at Soldier Field because of a strained left calf.
[picappgallerysingle id="680749"]I seem to recall the Chicago Bears playing down his injury last week as minor. So the question becomes… is Urlacher hurt worse than we know or are the Chicago Bears being smart?
My guess would be a little bit of both…there is nothing to gain with Urlacher playing in a preseason affair. He would play if this was during the regular season. We know Lovie Smith is the king of saying some words that tell us nothing, so in a situation like this he’s even more tight–lipped.
Hunter Hillenmeyer will continue to get reps at middle linebacker with the first and second units. If you read my work regularly you would know I have my doubts about Hillenmeyer, but I know that he’s the best guy for the back–up job with the Chicago Bears. It doesn’t mean that he’s going to be a close replacement, just the best of the rest.
[picappgallerysingle id="7436431"]I hope for our sakes and that of any hope to make the playoffs that Hillenmeyer’s role is as a backup and not the main man. Let’s all just look at last season if we need another reminder of how that worked out. If you think Urlacher is wearing down, just watch him in pass coverage and run support. Hillenmeyer gives you what he has, but isn’t even close to Urlacher in the talent department. In Hillenmeyer’s defense, how many linebackers are that good?
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Chicago Bears That May Not Make The Roster
I am writing this about four guys that are more of household names. I am hoping to spark some debate, so your thoughts are welcome and appreciated…
Garrett Wolfe…
[picappgallerysingle id="9580937"]Over the past day or so, some of you have had some strong suggestions on why Garrett Wolfe should make the Chicago Bears. His blocking on special teams and speed are two of the primary reasons. But in his time with the Chicago Bears, he has not exactly been a productive player. He has shown very little on offense and some things on special teams. With Kahlil Bell emerging as a viable third running back, Wolfe has an uphill battle. On Saturday’s roster, Wolfe was listed as fourth on the depth charts. As much as any of you, I would love to see this kid succeed because he is a local guy who had great success in college. However, I think the Chicago Bears have given him ample opportunities to prove himself, and he has not done so on a regular (or at all) basis. I am guessing Mr. Wolfe will be out of work come the end of training camp.
Dan LeFevour
[picappgallerysingle id="9580910"]Here’s another local kid that has many Chicago Bears fans excited. He put up amazing numbers at Central Michigan and has proven the ability to scramble. However, he has not exactly been lighting it up with his arm. Based on what I witnessed in person last Saturday, his arm speed and strength is not quite up to NFL standards. I know I am being a little harsh on this kid, but this is the big leagues and teams just do not have the luxury to hope glaring weaknesses get better. With the signing of Todd Collins and to a certain extent Matt Gutierrez, I think the Chicago Bears are sending a message that there is a concern with the depth of quarterbacks. Here is my prediction…the Bears will release LeFevour and try to sign him to the practice squad.
Hunter Hillenmeyer
[picappgallerysingle id="7371404"]Hunter Hillenmeyer was given the opportunity to start last season after Brian Urlacher was injured last season. He wasn’t very impressive. Now, in fairness to Hillenmeyer, he isn’t Brian Urlacher. But, he has been in the NFL long enough where he should understand the linebacker position. He seemed to have many missteps along the way. That being said, he is still a contributor on special teams and the coaches love him. He will make this team, but I think it is a lot closer than people think.
Al Afalava
[picappgallerysingle id="6853634"]Last season, Al Afalava was the toast of training camp. He impressed many people and earned a starting job with the defense. However, that did not last long and the coaches seemed to be frustrated with his development. This season, he is listed third on the free safety depth chart and hardly mentioned by the coaches. Based on the moves of getting Chris Harris and Major Wright, I think Afalava will be off this team by the end of training camp. It’s too bad, because he had to overcome some things in his life to get here…but like with LeFevour, this is the NFL for a reason.
I am interested to hear some of your thoughts. Please follow me on Twitter.
T-Minus Four Days Until Chicago Bears Training Camp
OK, things are starting to get exciting around here. We can almost taste the start of football season. Yesterday, I started highlighting story lines for training camp.
Building to The Chicago Bears Strength
It is fairly easy to find the things the Chicago Bears do not do well. In fact, the pro-White Sox media (OK, had to throw this in here…) seems to find many things wrong that the Bears do. But, this is not the worst football team on Earth. Here are a few areas of strength for the Chicago Bears.
Special Teams
Brad Maynard and Robbie Gould are one of the premier kicking duos in football. Both kick in one of the toughest venues in football and do it at a high level. The Bears also have a strong group of returners. The best of all of these dudes is Devin Hester (will the old Devin Hester please stand up). Johnny Knox and Daniel Manning have both proven valuable in this roll as well. The Bears also cover kicks and block very well. Kudos to this group!
Starting Quarterback
Jay Cutler is a gifted quarterback. He has a cannon for an arm and can move out of the pocket. While he made some bad throws last year, he didn’t get much help. With a new system in place and more experience for his wide receivers, Cutler is due for a strong season.
Tight Ends
Finally the curse of Coach Ditka is gone. The Chicago Bears are blessed with good tight ends. While I am not the biggest Greg Olsen fan, he does bring some things to the table. Desmond Clark is a solid tight end and the most valuable of the group is Brandon Manumaleuna. Having this guy will help with the blocking on the offensive line. And when you are not looking, he will slip out and catch a pass.
Linebacker
You have one Hall-of-Famer (Brian Urlacher), one possible Hall-of-Famer (Lance Briggs), and a really solid player (Pisa Tinoisamoa) starting in this group. In addition, there is one solid backup (Nick Roach) and a veteran (Hunter Hillenmeyer) in this group.
In Closing…
I wanted to give us all some good thoughts for the day. It is easy to be negative, but today, its all about the love.
