Lovie Smith: Chester Taylor is still a part of the team
BY SEAN JENSEN sjensen@suntimes.com August 29, 2011 11:04AM
FILE - This Oct. 17, 2010, file photo shows Chicago Bears running back Chester Taylor on the sidelines during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Chicago. Taylor looked like an important addition when he signed with the Chicago Bears in the offseason. Instead, he seems more like a forgotten man. Some memories might be rekindled this week when his former team, the Minnesota Vikings, visit Soldier Field. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)
Updated: August 29, 2011 4:38PM
In a bizarre turn of events, Bears running back Chester Taylor went from thinking he was released Monday morning, to being back on the team Monday afternoon.
Taylor met with coach Lovie Smith in the morning and walked away believing he was gone, Even his agent, Ken Sarnoff, tweeted that the Bears were set to cut him.
But early Monday afternoon, Sarnoff said via Twitter: “Here’s a first for me — the Bears just called me and said they have NOT released Chester. He did talk with Lovie though...misunderstanding?”
Smith admitted as much after practice.
“I guess there was a misunderstanding on exactly what we talked about,” Smith said. Chester Taylor is still a part of the team.”
Despite being healthy, Taylor was held out of Saturday’s preseason game against the Titans.
“I practiced all week, thinking I’m going to play today,” he said on Saturday. “So, they could have gave me the heads up sooner.”
Smith said he explained to Taylor why he didn’t play on Saturday.
“Evidently he took that the wrong way,” Smith said Monday after practice. “Hopefully we get him out here tomorrow.”
Taylor was signed to a four-year, $12 million contract last year that included $7 million in guarantees. But Taylor averaged a career-low 2.4 yards per carry.
