Thread: Bears' Paea still not back to full strength

I read a couple of other reports that said he could actually play in this last game but they won't use him now without some practices first and since he's already a lock they'll want to take a long look at the other guys.

I guess not that McCargo got cut and Pressley was released as injured they only competition is between Price and Collins. In my book they should keep both. Collins has a one game suspension to serve and he won't take up a roster spot until week two so I would imagine that Price will make the final cut based on that alone. I think there's too much upside in him to let him go right now.

What i think it will come down to is whether they keep a DE (Davis) or whether they keep another DT (Price). I think between Collins and Price right now Collins has an edge.

There really is no sense in rushing any of these guys who are nursing hurts right now. We open with Indy then play the Pack that coming Thursday so they might just as well rest these guys now Urlacher and Pep included.

To get him as close to 100% as possible they could even keep him out week 1 vs Colts imo.

Originally Posted by short faced bear

To get him as close to 100% as possible they could even keep him out week 1 vs Colts imo.

Can't really do that shorty. Collins has to sit out that game so that would leave us with just three DT's provided we keep Price. Otherwise just two.

UPDATE 8/28/2012

Ankle injury likely to linger for Bears' Paea

Defensive tackle still hopes to play in opener, but training staff wants him to take it easy

The Bears are taking a safe route with Stephen Paea's ankle injury. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/ Chicago Tribune / August 27, 2012)

By Vaughn McClure, Chicago Tribune reporter 8:59 p.m. CDT, August 27, 2012


Stephen Paea still hopes to play in the Sept. 9 season opener against the Colts, but the defensive tackle is proceeding with caution while recovering from a sprained left ankle.

Paea, who suffered the injury Aug. 11, was scheduled to return to practice Monday. The training staff, however, advised him to take it easy this week. Paea wasn't expected to play in Thursday's final exhibition game in Cleveland anyway.

Paea said the injury likely will linger into the regular season.

"When I come back, it's not going to be 100 percent,'' Paea said. "But what I can do is stay on top of it and gradually get better.''

Paea, who had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in January, reported to training camp healthy and immediately impressed the coaches. He surpassed Matt Toeaina for the starting role at nose tackle before the spraining his ankle.

"Right now, I think I'm behind,'' Paea said. "I've been missing (for) two weeks. When I get back next week, I know coach (Rod) Marinelli has a little surprise for me in practice.

"The trainers are doing a good job of running me so when I get back it's not going to be a surprise for me. … They're doing the best they can for me to come back and not die in practice.''

Toeaina has performed with Paea sidelined. It wouldn't be a surprise if Toeaina started the opener. Not to mention the Bears have a quick turnaround with the Sunday Colts opener followed by a Thursday night trip to Green Bay.

"It's Coach's call,'' Paea said of the starting lineup. "Matt Toeaina is doing a very good job. He's been having a good preseason, getting better every day. … I hope that when I come in, I can contribute and do my best.''

Extra points: Brian Urlacher (knee), Chris Conte (shoulder), Adam Podlesh (hip flexor) and Dom DeCicco (groin) remained sidelined at practice. … Ex-Bear Kahlil Bell was not claimed on waivers. He is free to sign with any team. … The Bears officially added running back Harvey Unga to the list of waived players, trimming the roster to 75.

Little bit of a surprise here since just a day ago Paea said he's be ready to play the Indy game.

Another I'm pissed off situation. This is the second year in a row Paea will start out hobbled and recovering from an injury. It's getting really frustrating to see so many guys hurting right now.

Every day there's one more report and about one more guys whose been dinged up and that's not counting the ones we already know about. I'm not so sure reducing the amount of OTA days and the number of days without pads and contact is actually helping instead of hurting.

Instead of getting dinged by contact in camp the first real contact are these games. Are they truly in playing shape?