Linebacker, special-teams asset McClover back with Bears

With their special teams always in mind, the Bears signed veteran linebacker Darrell McClover to a one-year contract Tuesday.

McClover made 14 special-teams tackles in 10 games for the Bears last season before being put on injured reserve with a pulled hamstring. He was the sixth linebacker the team kept on the roster at the start of the season and was on the field for 201 special-teams snaps -- 11th on the team despite missing six games.

McClover made 36 special-teams tackles for the Bears from 2006 to '08 but didn't find any takers after his contract expired at the end of last season. He had two blocked punts in that span, one last season.

McClover did some extra sprints after practice and is expected to be involved in two phases of special teams Sunday night.

With Jamar Williams battling a foot injury, there could be an opening for McClover. Rookie Marcus Freeman has had a quiet summer, and Nick Roach and Hunter Hillenmeyer are working as backups.

The Bears also waived tight end Fontel Mines and guard Tyler Reed, both of whom underwent knee surgery. They will revert to the team's injured-reserve list when they clear waivers.

The Bears have 79 players on their roster, including cornerback Charles Tillman, who is on the physically-unable-to-perform list. They must cut to 75 players by Tuesday, and the final cut to 53 is Sept. 5. Defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek is expected to miss the season, so he likely will clear one roster spot.



(chicagotribune.com)