Thread: Bears sign safety LeGree

http://espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/story...k-feels-better
Bears cautious with Brandon Hardin

Updated: August 20, 2012, 1:35 PM ET
By Michael C. Wright | ESPNChicago.com
LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Although sore, Chicago Bears rookie safety Brandon Hardin feels well enough to play after being carted off the field Saturday with a neck injury in a victory over the Washington Redskins, according to a source familiar with the situation.

But because of the nature of the injury, the Bears will exercise caution in bringing back Hardin, who is scheduled in two weeks to undergo an MRI because there's a chance trauma exists in the injured area.

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According to the source, there's no risk of paralysis and Hardin will be able to play football again. The question now becomes whether the team plans to hold Hardin's roster spot, considering the Bears are working through injuries at the position. Second-year safety Chris Conte suffered a shoulder injury against the Redskins.

There's a possibility the team could place Hardin on the injured reserve, but that's not a move the team is pressed to make at this point. It's likely the Bears will wait to receive the results of Hardin's MRI in two weeks before making a roster decision.

One day after the injury, on Sunday, Hardin posted to his Twitter account: "Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. I can't give an exact update, but the good news is that I'm gonna be OK. And we won!"

Hardin suffered the neck injury when he appeared to lead with his head while making a tackle on Redskins tight end Logan Paulsen at the end of a 19-yard completion early in the third quarter.

Bears coach Lovie Smith indicated after the game that he "think(s) Brandon Hardin will be OK. He was moving everything (after the injury). He was alert, conscious throughout."

Trainers eventually immobilized Hardin's neck and placed him on a stretcher. As the trainers carted him off the field, Hardin could be seen moving his arms. In addition, the third-round pick out of Oregon State gave a thumbs-up to the crowd as he came off the field.

A converted cornerback, Hardin (6-3, 217 pounds) had been working as the fourth safety behind Major Wright, Chris Conte and Craig Steltz, and is expected to be a contributor this season on special teams.

ESPNChicago.com's Jeff Dickerson contributed to this report.

so.... long story short... we signed a guy the Seahawks didn't want? How good can he be?

I'm guessing he's camp fodder until Hardin or Steltz can get back to play

Hate to see any injuries, but we can live w/o Hardin for a month. I just hope Conte is ok. We do need him.

Originally Posted by soulman

mark legree, hmmmm wonder if that's simon legree's nephew.

lmao!

Originally Posted by The Benjamin

so.... long story short... we signed a guy the Seahawks didn't want? How good can he be?

Not saying he'll be anything more than camp fodder but the Seahawks have one of the best safety tandems in the NFL if you ask me. I like that defense over there.

Originally Posted by soulman

Pete Carroll is coaching them and he never knows what he wants. He hired Jeremy Bates as his OC and then fired him. We came out alright on that deal didn't we.

remains to be seen on the Bates deal.