NFL FANTASY FOOTBALL
 Chicago Bears - Fantasy Player News
|
|
| Matt Forte - RB |
Posted 5/22/13 12:46am et |
| Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte did not participate in OTAs Tuesday, May 21. Forte is taking part in a two-day USO tour and is visiting troops in Germany. |
Huddle Up: No worries about Forte who could use the time away after recording at least 255 touches in each of his 5 NFL seasons.
|
| Jay Cutler - QB |
Posted 5/16/13 8:05am et |
| Chicago Bears quarterbacks coach Matt Cavanaugh said he has been very impressed with QB Jay Cutler this offseason. "Very impressed with Jay," Cavanaugh said. 'Very impressed. He's borderline football brilliant. I think he gets it. I think he knows the game. I think he knows offensive schemes. I think he knows defenses." Cavanaugh said the coaches are open to listening to Cutler's ideas about the offense and that Cutler will have a say in the offense. |
Huddle Up: Part of the reason Marc Trestman was brought in was to get the most out of Cutler, and Cavanaugh's addition to the staff furthers that agenda. If the coaching staff is taking suggestions from Cutler, that will go a long way towards keeping the famously dour Cutler happy. And a happy Cutler tends to be a productive Cutler.
|
| Matt Forte - RB |
Posted 5/15/13 1:03pm et |
| Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte is preparing for a bigger role in the passing game this season. |
Huddle Up: Forte has always been a yardage hound; since entering the league only Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson, and Ray Rice have more yards from scrimmage. And Marc Trestman's WCO-based offense features plenty of throwing to the backs, which will play to Forte's... uh, forte. Just don't expect a bunch of touchdowns and you'll be fine.
|
| Robbie Gould - PK |
Posted 5/14/13 11:27pm et |
| Chicago Bears PK Robbie Gould (leg) and WR Brandon Marshall (hip) were both present, but did not participate in practice Tuesday, May 14. |
Huddle Up: Both Chicago standouts still are recovering from surgery, but time remains on their side as there's still almost 3 months before training camp even gets underway.
|
| Jay Cutler - QB |
Posted 5/2/13 1:09pm et |
| Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler is happy to see the team's management made protecting their quarterback a priority after adding to the offensive line through free agency and with two draft picks. The team added OT Jermon Bushrod and OG Matt Slauson via free agency, and then picked OG Kyle Long with the 20th overall selection in the 2013 NFL Draft before selecting OT Jordan Mills in the fifth round. "(The coaching staff is) going to make sure everyone knows their assignments and we are protected," Cutler said in a radio interview. |
Huddle Up: While Cutler isn't exactly a sympathetic figure, he does deserve better protection after being sacked 113 times in 40 games over the past 3 seasons -- the third highest total in the league over that span.
|
| Robbie Gould - PK |
Posted 4/22/13 5:31pm et |
| Chicago Bears PK Robbie Gould underwent surgery this offseason to repair a ruptured semitendinosus tendon in his left leg. He is about three weeks away from getting medically cleared to resume kicking without restrictions. |
Huddle Up: The semitendinosus tendon is one of the hamstring muscles, so you can imagine how difficult it would be to kick with a bum hammy. There are currently no other kickers on the Chicago roster, so Gould will have plenty of time to heal and claim his regular gig by the time the games start to count.
|
| Evan Rodriguez - TE |
Posted 4/20/13 5:47pm et |
| Chicago Bears FB Evan Rodriguez worked exclusively at fullback during the team's minicamp this week. Tight end coach Andy Bischoff said the team could use Rodriguez in a hybrid role next season. |
Huddle Up: With Brandon Marshall, Matt Forte, and Alshon Jeffery already staking claims to the ball, even a hybrid role isn't likely to generate much fantasy relevance for Rodriguez.
|
| Brandon Marshall - WR |
Posted 4/16/13 11:11pm et |
| Chicago Bears WR Brandon Marshall (hip) did not participate in the team's first day of voluntary minicamp. 'It's one day at a time,' head coach Marc Trestman said. 'He said he's feeling better, and we'll talk to trainers every day and when they say he's ready, he'll go.' Marshall is recovering from minor hip surgery following the 2012 regular season. |
Huddle Up: Marshall was bound to need some extra recovery time this offseason after being targeted 192 times and finishing second in the league with a career-high 118 catches.
|
| Devin Hester - WR |
Posted 4/16/13 11:11pm et |
| Chicago Bears WR Devin Hester did not work with the wide receivers Tuesday, April 16, during the first day of the team's voluntary minicamp. Instead, he worked all special teams plays, including kicks and punt returns. 'I love it, man,' Hester said after practice. Head coach Marc Trestman said Hester will focus on being the team's return man. |
Huddle Up: Hester's catches and receiving yardage have declined in each of the past 3 seasons following his career-best 57-757 campaign of 2009, and the Bears are exploring other options at WR.
|
| Brandon Marshall - WR |
Posted 4/10/13 3:34pm et |
| Chicago Bears WR Brandon Marshall said he likes what he has seen so far from the team's offensive scheme under new head coach Marc Trestman. Marshall and TE Martellus Bennett convened at Marshall's home after receiving their new playbook on team-issued iPads. The two pulled different-colored pieces from board games, simulated some formations and plays, then quizzed one another. "Oh, my gosh, I'm in love with it," Marshall said. "Martellus and I sat down and went through the formational stuff and started challenging each other. It was exciting to go through, and it's pretty cool to have a partner." Marshall feels the scheme will spread the wealth around. "It's so stimulating and it gets everyone involved, and that's exciting to me," Marshall said. "Because the better Alshon (Jeffery) is, the better I'll be. The better Earl (Bennett) is, the better Martellus will be. The better Martellus is, the better Matt Forte will be. And so on and so forth. It's just awesome." |
Huddle Up: Trestman has always been viewed as a bright offensive mind, and his CFL teams put up plenty of points. He has some intriguing pieces to work with in Chicago, and if Marshall is already on board that's half the battle. Now we'll see how Jay Cutler can execute this offense, and if the Bears' offensive line gives Cutler the time necessary to do so.
|
| Brian Urlacher - LB |
Posted 4/7/13 1:55pm et |
| Free-agent LB Brian Urlacher (Bears) isn't expected to sign with a new team any time soon, and he wants to play for a contender, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. |
Huddle Up: This has the makings of a late-preseason signing for a franchise looking to add a veteran leader.
|
| Josh McCown - QB |
Posted 3/29/13 6:50pm et |
| The Chicago Bears have agreed to terms with free-agent QB Josh McCown on a one-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed. |
Huddle Up: McCown is the Bears' backup plan to Jay Cutler. Sleep well, Chicago.
|
| Jason Campbell - QB |
Posted 3/26/13 11:34pm et |
| The Cleveland Browns signed free-agent QB Jason Campbell (Bears) to a two-year contract Tuesday, March 26. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed. |
Huddle Up: Add the well-traveled Campbell to the Cleveland QB mix, which already included holdovers Brandon Weeden, Colt McCoy and Thaddeus Lewis -- all of whom took snaps for the Browns last season.
|
| Brian Urlacher - LB |
Posted 3/21/13 4:57pm et |
| Free-agent LB Brian Urlacher (Bears) was looking for a one-year deal from the Chicago Bears in the range of $3.5 million to $4 million. The team offered a deal for about $2 million for 2013. |
Huddle Up: Urlacher, who will turn 35 in May, had a great run in the Windy City, but he's going to have to come to grips with his declining skills as he his tackle totals have declined in each of the past 3 seasons and he hasn't had a sack since 2010.
|
| Brian Urlacher - LB |
Posted 3/21/13 5:22pm et |
| The Minnesota Vikings are not interested in free-agent LB Brian Urlacher (Bears) and likely would not express interest unless his asking price drops significantly. |
Huddle Up: The Bears and the Vikings have been the only real reported possibilities for Urlacher, and again, he's going to make a realistic self-assessment of his declining skills and adjust his financial expectations.
|
| Devin Hester - WR |
Posted 3/20/13 1:56pm et |
| Chicago Bears head coach Marc Trestman said he is uncertain if WR Devin Hester will even practice with the receiving corps this season, let alone play there. He is considered purely a returner for now. |
Huddle Up: Good news for those drafting the Bears' return unit that Hester will be allowed to focus on that aspect of his game; he wasn't bringing much to the table as a wideout anyway.
|
| Alshon Jeffery - WR |
Posted 3/20/13 1:56pm et |
| Chicago Bears head coach Marc Trestman said he expects WR Alshon Jeffery to start for the team this coming season. |
Huddle Up: Like Brandon Marshall, Jeffery has the body type to be a perfect fit for Trestman's West Coast system. Makes sense for the duo to be on the field together, as Jeffery can capitalize on the single-coverage he's bound to see with defenses focused on Marshall.
|
| Jason Campbell - QB |
Posted 3/19/13 11:57am et |
| Free-agent QB Jason Campbell (Bears) has received interest from the
Chicago Bears, New York Jets and Cleveland Browns this offseason. |
Huddle Up: Campbell, who could be playing for his fourth team in five years if
he leaves Chicago, is most interested in finding a situation where
he has a chance to start, and the Browns and Jets definitely present
the best opportunities on the above list.
|
| Matt Spaeth - TE |
Posted 3/15/13 11:00pm et |
| The Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to terms with free-agent TE Matt Spaeth Friday, March 15, according to a league source. Terms of the deal were undisclosed. |
Huddle Up: Spaeth gives the Steelers a familiar face as well as insurance should Heath Miller take longer than hoped to recover from the ACL injury that prematurely ended his 2012 season.
|
| Brian Urlacher - LB |
Posted 3/14/13 1:44pm et |
| Free-agent LB Brian Urlacher (Bears) has been in contact with the Minnesota Vikings, and a team source with the Vikings confirmed the talks. The team said they are 'monitoring' the situation and still believed Urlacher would eventually return to the Chicago Bears. |
Huddle Up: As expected, age -- Urlacher will be 35 in May -- and injury issues are keeping the LB from drawing much interest on the FA market. Playing out the string with the Bears might be Urlacher's best -- and only -- option.
|
| Kellen Davis - TE |
Posted 3/13/13 12:07pm et |
| The Chicago Bears have released TE Kellen Davis, according to a league source. |
Huddle Up: Davis became superfluous when the Bears nabbed Martellus Bennett in free agency. He may find another opportunity somewhere around the league, but probably not as a starter--and definitely not as a fantasy factor.
|
| Henry Melton - DT |
Posted 3/3/13 1:43pm et |
| The Chicago Bears have placed their franchise tag on DT Henry
Melton. The franchise tag for defensive tackles in 2013 comes with a
guaranteed salary of $8.45 million. |
Huddle Up: Melton, only 26, ranks second among league DTs with 13 sacks over
the past 2 seasons and is the new face of the Bears' defense which
is getting rather long in the tooth with Julius Peppers, Brian
Urlacher, Lance Briggs and Charles Tillman all on the other side of
30.
|
| J'Marcus Webb - OT |
Posted 2/27/13 9:29pm et |
| Chicago Bears OL J'Marcus Webb was arrested Sunday, Feb. 24, and charged with possession of controlled substance, cannabis and paraphernalia. Webb posted $500 bond and was released. He is due back in court in March. |
Huddle Up: That's not the way to endear yourself to your new coach. Webb could be looking at league discipline, and he's no lock to return to the Bears--especially if they're able to address their needs along the offensive line in a draft that's thick at the position.
|
| Evan Rodriguez - TE |
Posted 2/23/13 6:50pm et |
| Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery said the team will try TE Evan Rodriguez out in different roles during offseason workouts and training camp until they find the best role for him. |
Huddle Up: Maybe Rodriguez will provide Marc Trestman with the pass-catching tight end his West Coast offense is looking for, but don't be surprised if the Bears bring in a couple other options at the position as well.
|
| Henry Melton - DT |
Posted 2/17/13 11:12pm et |
| The Dallas Cowboys would not be interested in Chicago Bears impending free-agent DT Henry Melton if he became available in free agency. |
Huddle Up: The Cowboys certainly would appear to be a good fit with former Bears' D-line coach Rod Marinelli now on staff and the problems the "Boys have had on the interior of the defensive line, but it likely will all be moot if the up-and-coming Melton, as expected, is designated as the Bears' franchise player.
|
| Johnny Knox - WR |
Posted 2/14/13 3:03pm et |
| Former Chicago Bears WR Johnny Knox (spine) said he is done playing football as he still suffers from the effects of a devastating spinal injury 13 1/2 months ago. 'As an athlete, you don't want to give up, you want to keep on fighting. That's how I've always been,' Knox says. 'But it's been on my heart for a while. I know how my body feels, and I know I'm not going to be the same and perform at the ability that I used to.' |
Huddle Up: Knox, the slightly-built speed receiver, had a good run in 2009-10, catching a combined 96 passes for 1.487 yards and 10 TDs over 2 seasons, but he's been 37-727-2 in only 14 games since before the injury exacted its toll.
|
| Johnny Knox - WR |
Posted 2/13/13 11:44am et |
| Free-agent WR Johnny Knox is unlikely to play again due to the effects of a spinal injury from 2011, according to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the receiver's status. |
Huddle Up: Knox flashed briefly as a speed receiver for the Bears, but this injury looks like it will end his career. At minimum he'll need to prove his health enough for a team just to give him a look-see, let alone work his way into a receiver rotation and become a fantasy factor.
|
| Brandon Marshall - WR |
Posted 2/12/13 12:57pm et |
| Outside of Chicago Bears WR Brandon Marshall, the rest of the team's passing game went by the wayside in 2012. Marshall accounted for 1,508 of the team's 3,298 passing yards (45.7 percent). |
Huddle Up: One player the Bears will be counting on is second-year wideout Alshon Jeffery, who averaged 15.3 yards per catch and hauled in 3 scoring passes despite missing 6 games of his rookie season due to various injuries.
|
| Johnny Knox - WR |
Posted 2/12/13 11:08pm et |
| The Chicago Bears terminated WR Johnny Knox's (back) contract on Tuesday, Feb. 12. |
Huddle Up: Knox missed all of the 2012 season with his back issues, and it's not a good sign when a team in need of WR help pulls the plug this early in the offseason.
|
| Devin Hester - WR |
Posted 2/3/13 1:17pm et |
| Chicago Bears WR Devin Hester said he has no plans to retire at this time; however, he may need a change of scenery in the offseason. Hester felt totally ignored on offense, at times. His frustration mounted and he lacked focus as his touches faded both during games and in practice. 'I'm not making any excuses. I know some of the plays I should have made in terms of catching the ball. But I just wasn't feeling it. My mind wasn't there the majority of the time,' Hester said. In terms of seeking a trade, Hester said, 'It's a possibility. I'm loyal to my team. But the fans and my teammates have to understand where I'm coming from.' |
Huddle Up: Hester has had a Hall-of-Fame-worthy special-teams career, but if he was going to make an offensive impact, it should've happened already on a team that's perennially been short on play-makers.
|
|
|
|
Facebook 
Twitter 
Mobile