Chicago Bears

The Bears spent four of six draft picks on defensive players, including three on defensive backs. In addition to drafting Boise State linebacker Shea McClellin, the Bears took Oregon State safety Brandon Hardin, Nevada cornerback Isaiah Frey and TCU cornerback Greg McCoy. Hardin has tremendous size (6-foot-3) but is coming off of a shoulder injury that knocked him out for 2011 and a career as a cornerback. Frey's an experienced corner with some good explosion while McCoy is a speedster who can return kicks.

Bears receiver Johnny Knox watched practice during the team's OTA on Wednesday, looking thin following the back surgery he had late last season. Knox said he lost 30 pounds after surgery, then gained 10. That puts him at about 165 pounds. He was in a cast for 2 1/2 months and could miss extensive playing time. The team is expected to place him on the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin the year. "It could happen, but I'm staying optimistic," he said. "I'm not in a rush. This is my spine, the core of my body that I'm dealing with. It's not my knee or my ankle or my shoulder."

Back - Doubtful for start of training camp

Bears DL Corey Wootton was listed among the inactives for Week 5 against the Lions after fracturing his left hand in practice on Thursday. He had also been dealing with a knee injury.

Rams long snapper Chris Massey will miss the rest of the season after tearing a left knee ligament in the second quarter of a Week 7 loss to the Colts.

Brandon Marshall was the first Bears player to tout Devin Hester as a potential "Pro Bowl receiver." Now Jay Cutler is joining in. The Bears quarterback said after a late-May team OTA workout that Hester is well on his way to being a contributor to the offense in 2012. "Devin Hester is having the best camp of all the receivers," he said.

ESPN reports that Bears running back Matt Forte, as expected, skipped voluntary team workouts Monday. Forte, who is Chicago's franchise player, is seeking a long-term deal.

The Bears placed LB J.T. Thomas on injured reserve on Saturday.

Undisclosed - IR. Out for the season

The Bears signed FB Tyler Clutts on Wednesday.

Texans rookie linebacker Cheta Ozougwu, who was the final pick of April's draft, is recovering from a concussion. The team's official website reports that coach Gary Kubiak said he is "doing great" after being released from the hospital. Ozougwu will be around the team on Thursday.

Undisclosed - IR. Out for the season

The Bears signed the following players to Reserve/Futures contracts: WR John Broussard, WR Rudy Burgess, DE/LB Joe Clermond, TE Fontel Mines and LB Marcus Riley.

The Bears spent four of six draft picks on defensive players, including three on defensive backs. In addition to drafting Boise State linebacker Shea McClellin, the Bears took Oregon State safety Brandon Hardin, Nevada cornerback Isaiah Frey and TCU cornerback Greg McCoy. Hardin has tremendous size (6-foot-3) but is coming off of a shoulder injury that knocked him out for 2011 and a career as a cornerback. Frey's an experienced corner with some good explosion while McCoy is a speedster who can return kicks.

The Bears have re-signed quarterback Josh McCown. He's expected to battle for a spot along the team's depth chart behind Jay Cutler and likely Jason Campbell.

Bears TE Matt Spaeth had his best game of the season in Week 9 against the Eagles. He caught two passes for 13 yards and a touchdown in the 30-24 win. His second score of the year came in the first quarter when QB Jay Cutler found him from 5 yards out.

Bears QB Caleb Hanie fell to 0-4 as a starter this season following Sunday's loss to the Seahawks. He has thrown nine interceptions in the process, prompting speculation that Chicago might make a change at quarterback. "Right now, Caleb Hanie is our starting quarterback," said Smith, who hinted that might change between now and Wednesday's practice. Nathan Enderle is backing up Hanie while Jay Cutler (thumb) is out, and Josh McCown is third on the depth chart. "This isn’t a tryout period, either. We’re trying to win a football game," Smith said when asked about starting Enderle.

For the second week in a row, Bears WR Earl Bennett hauled in a single catch for more than 20 yards. In Week 16 against the Packers, Bennett caught one pass from new starting QB Josh McCown for a 49-yard gain. He was targeted three times total in the Bears 35-21 loss to Green Bay. He just missed a touchdown on the catch, as he was caught at the 1-yard line.

The Bears signed DE Ervin Baldwin to their practice squad on Wednesday.

Bears DE Henry Melton started the season strong on Sunday, sacking Matt Ryan twice and totaling five tackles.

The Bears spent four of six draft picks on defensive players, including three on defensive backs. In addition to drafting Boise State linebacker Shea McClellin, the Bears took Oregon State safety Brandon Hardin, Nevada cornerback Isaiah Frey and TCU cornerback Greg McCoy. Hardin has tremendous size (6-foot-3) but is coming off of a shoulder injury that knocked him out for 2011 and a career as a cornerback. Frey's an experienced corner with some good explosion while McCoy is a speedster who can return kicks.

ESPN.com reports that Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, who damaged ligaments in his knee during last season's final game at Minnesota but did not require surgery, said it "feels good" on Tuesday. "I've had so much time in the offseason to get it right," he said. "I still have four months [until training camp]. I'm definitely not in a big hurry. I've done everything to this point I've been asked to do. I'm sure when the time's right, I'll be ready to play. I have six months before the season starts to get ready. I'll be good to go when the time is right."

Knee - Questionable for start of training camp

The Bears promoted three players from the practice squad to their 53-man roster on Monday. RB Armando Allen, DE Thaddeus Gibson, and WR Max Komar were all promoted to take the roster spots of WR Sam Hurd, Johnny Knox and Chris Conte.

Bears K Robbie Gould contributed only five points Week 17 at Minnesota, putting him under six for the fourth time in five games. He kicked a 27-yard field goal in the fourth quarter and also had two extra points.

Unrestricted free agent defensive lineman Israel Idonije has agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Bears. A pass rusher would seem to be an ideal spot for the team to start in the draft, now, since the defense use a three-DE rotation and Idonije had just five sacks last season. The pass rush was only 29th in sacks per pass play.

The Bears announced the signing of kickoff-return specialist and wide receiver Eric Weems. He'll join the squad for three years after beginning his career with the Falcons. Weems has done most of his work on special teams, registering 41 career tackles, 815 punt return yards and 2,896 kickoff return yards. His 3,711 total kick return yards are seventh in the NFL over the last five seasons. Weems has 24 receptions for 205 yards (8.5 avg.) and two touchdowns as a wide receiver.

Bears DL Matt Toeaina left Week 5 against the Lions due to a knee injury. He did not post any stats before being forced from the game.

DB Charles Tillman delivered the big blow for the Bears in their 17-13 victory at Minnesota in Week 17. He happened to be in the right place at the right time in the second quarter, catching a pass that bounced off the hands of RB Toby Gerhart and returning it 22 yards for a touchdown. The interception return gave him five for his career, most in team history. "One day when I'm old and retired, I will look back at my stats and say, 'Yeah, that is good,'" he said. "In the moment, right now, I'm just trying to get better, to keep going and keep rising."

Chicago and receiver Devin Thomas have agreed to a one-year contract. The Bears announced the move Wednesday on their website.

Running back Kahlil Bell has signed his one-year tender with the Bears, putting him in a contract year for the second season in a row. He'll play for $1.26 million.

The Bears placed TE Kyle Adams on injured reserve on Wednesday with a hamstring injury. His roster spot was taken by TE Andre Smith. Adams did not have any catches for the Bears this season.

Hamstring - IR. Out for the season

Bears DL Julius Peppers didn't contribute much statistically Week 17 at Minnesota, with his lone tackle coming on a half sack, but he blocked a 48-yard field goal attempt by K Ryan Longwell in the second quarter, helping lead the Bears to a 17-13 victory.

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler says his thumb is healed following offseason surgery after breaking it during the 2011 season. And he certainly gives a thumbs-up to the Bears adding Brandon Marshall via trade and Alshon Jeffery in the draft. But he told the Chicago Sun-Times that his offensive line is still a concern of his. "If Gabe [Carimi] comes back, if J'Marcus [Webb] pans out. Where are we going to put Chris Williams? There are some question marks there," Cutler candidly said. "Until we really get that resolved, and get our front five settled in, we've got some work to do on offense. ... There are going to be times it's 3rd and 8, 3rd and 10, and we're going to have to take seven step drops and we're going to have the longer route and they're going to have to protect."

Right thumb - Probable for start of training camp

Bears rookie receiver Alshon Jeffery was impressive in person according to several accounts on the scene before leaving minicamp practice with leg cramps on Friday. He had impressed coaches with his hands in drills, specifically his ability to pluck high passes caught offensive coordinator Mike Tice's eye. "I saw him make a few plays over there in one-on-ones, and back in the old days we called that picking peanuts," Tice said. "He was picking peanuts off some guys' heads, it looked like to me."

The Bears waived/injured WR Eric Peterman on Monday.

A workout at Halas Hall of veteran free agents earlier this week led the Bears to sign three players to bolster the D-line. Defensive linemen John McCargo, Demario Pressley and Cheta Ozougwu all signed one-year deals. McCargo, a 6-2, 295-pounder played five seasons for Buffalo and one for Tampa Bay and has one career start. Pressley, a Saints' fifth-round pick in 2009, also played for Carolina one season. Ozougwu was a seventh-round pick by the Texans last year.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports Wednesday that the Bears will receive a roster exemption on RB Harvey Unga, who was excused from the team for personal reasons. He has competed for a backup RB spot with Kahlil Bell since the lockout was lifted.

Veteran tight end Desmond Clark posted on Twitter that he has been released by the Bears. Clark hurt his knee this preseason and wasn't expected to be a huge component of the offense. "I played my butt off but sometimes it's more about the business. That's what it boiled down to," he wrote.

Cornerback Tim Jennings has agreed to a two-year contract to stay with the Bears and will not become a free agent.

Bucs LB Geno Hayes is expected to rejoin the starting lineup Week 11 at Green Bay after being replaced by Adam Hayward the last two games. Hayes said he received coach Raheem Morris' intended message. “It did open my eyes,” Hayes said. “I saw what (Morris) was trying to pull out of me and it let me see what was going on. I have to take advantage of it. I have to take it up to another level. Without question. I have to raise my play to help this team win. I feel great. I’m happy to be back and I’m ready to start playing again.”

Tight end Evan Rodriguez, the Bears' fourth-round draft pick, is expected to help fill the void of pass catcher that has been missing since Greg Olsen was traded a year ago. At 244 pounds, Rodriguez isn't going to help the Bears as an in-line blocker, no matter what coach Lovie Smith says. But they feel he's got enough grit to be a lead blocker from the fullback position or hit a moving target on the second level. "He's another guy that can do a lot of things for us, whether it's lining up at the fullback position, splitting out as an F guy, being able to move," Smith said. "He's got good speed, (and is a) good blocker. We can do a lot of things with him, too. He gives us a lot of options."

Safety Craig Steltz has signed a two-year contract. Steltz backed up Chris Conte and Major Wright last year and wound up starting after both were injured at different times and after free-agent acquisition Brandon Meriweather flopped.

Linebacker Blake Costanzo, who signed with the Bears late Tuesday, has 71 career special teams tackles, four forced fumbles and four recoveries. His 17 special teams tackles was second on the 49ers last season. "The (Bears) have had some of the top special teams in the league, too, so we've been in contact with them," Costanzo told the San Francisco Chronicle. "They made me an offer and wanted to make me part of their team for the next couple of years. It was a good opportunity for me and my family. I decided to jump on it."

The Bears announced Friday that running back Marion Barber told the team he plans to retire. Barber's lone season in Chicago was last year where he had 422 rush yards and six touchdowns along with 50 yards receiving. Speculation was that the Bears were going to cut him following their signing of Michael Bush. Because he was under contract for 2012, the Bears can retain his rights for the upcoming season.

The Bears passed on the chance to sign cornerback Kelvin Hayden last season, and he inked with the Falcons instead. This time, the Bears didn't pass, signing him to a one-year deal.

Bears DB Major Wright injured his shoulder Week 13 against the Chiefs and had to leave the game. He had five tackles, including four solo, before leaving.

A workout at Halas Hall of veteran free agents earlier this week led the Bears to sign three players to bolster the D-line. Defensive linemen John McCargo, Demario Pressley and Cheta Ozougwu all signed one-year deals. McCargo, a 6-2, 295-pounder played five seasons for Buffalo and one for Tampa Bay and has one career start. Pressley, a Saints' fifth-round pick in 2009, also played for Carolina one season. Ozougwu was a seventh-round pick by the Texans last year.

During a conference call with the media on Thursday, new Bears running back Michael Bush made it clear that he was told he'll be splitting reps with Matt Forte. Forte is currently a franchised free agent and is unhappy with Bush signing a four-year deal with Chicago. Bush said he was surprised he couldn't find a starting job in free agency but figures there's enough carries to go around in Chicago. "Every meeting I went into, everybody was saying they were trying to do a two-back system. I can't argue with that so I just have to go with what fits my needs," Bush said. "I think it'll be wide open. When he gets tired, I'll come in. I don't think there should be any drop off, the same plays that they ran for him, I think I should be able to do the same things. I think everything will be fine, just one guys goes out, another guy comes in and the offense doesn't change as much."

The following Bears players have been declared inactive for Week 17 at Detroit: QB Brett Basanez, WR Johnny Knox, DB Al Afalava, DB Danieal Manning, TE Lance Louis and DL Matt Toeaina.

Bears DB D.J. Moore has officially been ruled inactive for Week 11 against the Chargers. Moore was unable to practice this week due to an ankle injury.

Bears RB Armando Allen, who was promoted to the active roster this week following injuries to Matt Forte and Marion Barber, received his first NFL carry during the Bears’ first possession of the second quarter in Week 16. By the time the Bears were finished losing 35-21 to Green Bay, Allen had 10 more carries, finishing the day with 40 yards on 11 carries.

The Bears waived DE Nick Reed on Monday to sign DE Chauncey Davis.

The Bears have re-signed tight end Kellen Davis to a two-year deal. Davis had been on the radar for the Steelers and other teams but will stay with Chicago and have a chance to do more work as a receiver. He started 15 of 16 games last year and had 18 catches, including five for touchdowns (leading the team).

The 49ers released WR Tyler Beiler, WR Kevin Jurovich, LB Scott McKillop and RB Seth Smith on Tuesday.

Bears LB Nick Roach injured his shoulder early on in Week 17 against the Packers and did not return to the game. He did not stat before being forced from the game.

Bears DL Stephen Paea made his NFL debut in Week 6 against the Vikings and did not disappoint. He finished with a sack and two tackles in the 39-10 win. His sack of QB Donovan McNabb in the first quarter went for a safety. "Coming into this game, all I could do was show the coach what I can bring to the table," Paea told ESPN.com. "I had confidence that I would be able to showcase my skills to my teammates and be able to contribute. Hopefully, I'll keep getting better every week and that will be fun."

The Bears released DB Winston Venable on Tuesday. DB Anthony Walters was signed from the practice squad to take his place on the 53-man roster.

Bears linebacker Lance Briggs has agreed to a one-year contract extension through 2014. The veteran had 105 total tackles with four passes defensed and an interception in 2011.

The Bears have placed S Anthony Walters on IR on Tuesday due to a hamstring injury. Walters is out for the season now.

Hamstring - IR. Out for the season

The Bears kept fortifying the cornerback position on Thursday with the signing of free agent Jonathan Wilhite. The former Patriot and Bronco is 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds. He had 28 total tackles, two passes defensed and an interception last year.

Bears WR Dane Sanzenbacher had his second-best game of the season, hauling in four passes for 51 yards in the Bears’ Week 16 35-21 loss to the Packers. It was his second game in a row with multiple receptions after being held without a catch from Week 7 to Week 14.

Chicago moved LB Brian Iwuh (hamstring) to injured reserve on Tuesday and promoted LB Patrick Trahan from the team's practice squad. Iwuh is the third special teams player to be placed on IR for the Bears this month.

The Steelers released 21 players on Friday, reducing their roster to 58 players. The 21 players released included linebackers Baraka Atkins, Mario Harvey, Chris McCoy and Mortty Ivy, defensive lineman Corbin Bryant, defensive backs Brett Greenwood, Macho Harris, Donovan Warren and Da’Mon Cromartie-Smith, running backs James Johnson and John Clay, offensive linemen Colin Miller, Kyle Jolly, John Malecki, Trevis Turner and Keith Williams, wide receivers Armand Robinson, Wes Lyons and Tyler Grisham, tight end Jamie McCoy and kicker Swayze Waters.

Released on Wednesday by the Rams, rookie LB Jabara Williams was claimed by the Bears on Thursday.

The Bears promoted three players from the practice squad to their 53-man roster on Monday. RB Armando Allen, DE Thaddeus Gibson, and WR Max Komar were all promoted to take the roster spots of WR Sam Hurd, Johnny Knox and Chris Conte.

Knee - IR. Out for the season

Quarterback Jason Campbell agreed to a one-year contract Tuesday with the Chicago Bears and will back up Jay Cutler. Campbell has spent the past two years in Oakland after playing his first four seasons with Washington and has started 70 of the 71 games he has appeared in. But he fractured a clavicle midway through last season and the Raiders brought in Carson Palmer. Campbell has completed 1,296 of 2,131 passes for 14,417 yards, 74 touchdowns and 50 interceptions in his career.

Collarbone - Probable for start of training camp

The Bears placed DB Chris Conte on injured reserve Monday due to a foot injury suffered in the first half of Sunday's 38-14 loss to Seattle.

Foot - IR. Out for the season

The Browns have released defensive linemen Kyle Anderson and Jabari Fletcher, DB Darian Hagan, WRs Johnathan Haggerty and Juan Nunez, DB Brett Johnson, QB Troy Weatherhead and PK Jeff Wolfert. Only Haggerty was a mild surprise.

The Bears finished off their cuts on the way to getting down to the final 53 players on the active roster on Saturday. Among the casualties were RB Harvey Unga, LB J.T. Thomas, S Anthony Walters, LB Patrick Trahan, TE Andre Smith DT Jordan Miller, FB Robert Hughes, WR Kris Adams and DT Marcus Harrison.

Shea McClellin grew up chasing chickens on a farm in Idaho. Now, he'll get paid to track down the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford. The Chicago Bears selected the defensive end from Boise State with the 19th pick in the draft. McClellin led Boise State with seven sacks last season and ranked sixth in school history with 20 1/2 in his career. He figures to play on the left side, opposite Julius Peppers. "This is a very natural football player," Emery said. "He plays with a very low pad level. He finds the ball quickly. ... He has a very natural ability to find the right path to the ball off blocks and make tackles. He's a small-town guy and a great character fit for us."

ESPN reports that Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall isn't expected to face any charges stemming from an incident outside a New York night club where Marshall allegedly punched a woman. According to the report, the police haven't found any evidence of any wrongdoing on Marshall's part.