Bears pass on RB Robert Hughes — even for practice squad
BY MARK POTASH mpotash@suntimes.com September 4, 2011 8:26PM
Chicago Bears running back Robert Hughes (39) looks up at the scoreboard in the first quarter of an NFL football preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Joe Howell)
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Updated: November 5, 2011 2:35PM
The Bears’ practice squad roster is more notable for who didn’t make it than who did. Of the eight players waived Saturday who were eligible for the practice squad, running back Robert Hughes was the only one who didn’t make it.
Hughes, a Hubbard and Notre Dame graduate, didn’t get much of an opportunity in training camp but made the most of the one he got Thursday in the preseason finale. He rushed for 69 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries and added 26 yards on two receptions against Cleveland Browns reserves. But even making the practice squad off the final preseason game is a dicey proposition.
The seven players signed to the practice squad were wide receiver Kris Adams, guard Ricky Henry, offensive tackle Levi Horn, defensive tackle Jordan Miller, tight end Andre Smith, linebacker Patrick Trahan and safety Anthony Walters. All but Horn and Trahan are undrafted rookies.
The Bears have one spot open, likely to be filled when they make room for Pro Bowl safety Brandon Meriweather, who agreed to terms Sunday after being cut by the New England Patriots.
Found new homes
Running back Chester Taylor, cut by the Bears on Saturday, agreed to terms with the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
Defensive tackle Marcus Harrison was claimed on waivers by the Carolina Panthers. He joins former Bears Greg Olsen and defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, now the Panthers’ head coach. The Bears play the Panthers on Oct. 2 at Soldier Field.
Other nice landings
Wide receiver Devin Aromashodu, who had five receptions for 71 yards against the Detroit Lions in the Bears’ season opener last year but suddenly fell out of favor, totaling five receptions for 78 yards the rest of the season, made the Minnesota Vikings’ roster.
Receiver Rashied Davis, a six-year Bears veteran and key special-teams player before leaving as a free agent in July, made the Lions’ roster.
Ready for takeoff
Rookie Mario Addison, who played running back and quarterback in high school — he rushed for 312 yards in one game — was listed as an outside linebacker prospect coming out of Troy University. But his instinctive pass-rush ability should keep him at end.
Several teams were interested in Addison after the draft in April, but he picked the Bears largely because of defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli.
‘‘He was a straight-up coach,’’ the 6-3, 252-pound Addison said. ‘‘I liked what he was saying. He told me, ‘I don’t care how much you weigh — if you can rush the passer, I’ll turn you into a rush man.’ ’’
