Kahlil Bell #32 of the Chicago Bears runs past Jo-Lonn Dunbar #58 of the St. Louis Rams at Soldier Field on September 23, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Rams 23-6.
(September 22, 2012 – Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)
Running back Kahlil Bell just can’t stick with the Chicago Bears.
After being released during the end of the preseason after refusing to take a pay cut, the Bears brought him back.
Unfortunately for him his stay wasn’t too long. The Bears announced Monday that they decided to waive the UCLA product.
Tight end Brody Eldridge was signed to take Bell’s roster spot.
Bell played in two games after being re-signed on Sep. 15, racking up 12 carries for 32 yards and one reception for 11 yards.
He was inactive for the Jacksonville game in Week Five.
According to Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune, Bell was upset about that and desired to play elsewhere after getting benched.
Second-year back Armando Allen is currently the third back because of his play on special teams and his success on offense.
Bell will likely find a new team very soon considering the amount of injuries around the league right now.
Whoever that team is will have to pick up his salary of $615,000 for the rest of the season.
The man who replaces Bell on the roster is Brody Eldridge.
Eldridge is a 25-year old tight end, who was drafted in the fifth-round in 2010 by the Indianapolis Colts.
He played two seasons in Indy before being waived this off-season. The St. Louis Rams put in a claim for the 6’5″ blocking tight end.
But Eldridge was suspended the first four games of the 2012 season for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances and the Rams decided to let him go.
The Bears brought him into Halas Hall for a workout during their Week Six bye and signed him on Monday.
Eldridge started 16 games in his two seasons with Colts (2010-2011) making 14 catches for 84 yards. He will likely play on special teams while also being used on offense as a blocker.
With Matt Speath, Kellen Davis and Kyle Adams all in the mix at tight end it could be tough for Eldridge to get playing time on offense.
It’s a good move for the Bears. With Matt Forte and Michael Bush back and healthy, the need for Bell wasn’t there.
Despite Bell’s talent and fit in the offense, the Bears clearly think adding another blocker up front is important.
I can’t agree more. It’s sad to see a solid player like Bell go, but he will find a team in need for a running back.
Expect Eldridge to suit up next Monday night against the Lions.
Jake Perper is the owner and head writer for Bearsbacker.com. Follow him on Twitter, @Bearsbacker and on Facebook for up to the minute news about the Bears.
