Before Bears DT Dusty Dvoracek was officially ruled out for the season with a torn ACL, Matt Toeaina was a player likely to be out of a job. But somehow the third year pro from the University of Oregon has stuck around again. In two seasons with the Bears Toeania has played in four games, recording six tackles.

The Bears have veteran Anthony Adams and up and coming star Marcus Harrison at the top of the depth chart at nose tackle. Look for Toeania to get a lot of work because the Bears like to rotate players around during games to keep them fresh.

Personally I like Matt Toeaina, I’m glad he finally has a shot to contribute for this team, it’s a shame Dusty keeps getting injured because he is a hard worker, but it looks like he won’t be returning next season and if Toeaina takes advantage of this opportunity he could be a big part of the rotation at nose tackle next season.

Matt Toeaina had this to say about Dusty’s injury and his opportunity to play:

“I hate to see this happen to Dusty again, but I’ve definitely got to take advantage of the opportunity, I’ve got to go out there and just have fun and prove to the coaches that I am capable of contributing to this team.”

“It’s definitely tough, the main thing is trying to stay patient and positive at the same time because everybody has their time and when your [number] is called you’ve definitely got to take advantage of it. My opportunities have been limited, but like they say, ‘You can’t count your reps; you’ve got to make your reps count.”

So What?

Look for Matt Toeaina to be a solid contributor on the defense this season and if not the Bears might look for someone else to fill his role.

all quotes from chicagobears.com

The Chicago Tribune’s Vaughn McClure reported this last night:

“Bears nose tackle Dusty Dvoracek is scheduled to undergo an MRI Sunday to determine the severity of a right knee injury, Dvoracek left the field early during the Bears’ 17-3 exhibition win over the Giants Saturday night. He exited the locker room after the game with ice wrapped around the knee. Hours later, he said he would be”fine.”

This morning Chicago Sun-Times writer Brad Biggs reported this:

“Based on his past, it cannot come as a surprise to the Bears that Dusty Dvoracek will miss the 2009 season after tearing the ACL in his right knee Saturday night against the New York Giants.”

My take on the Dusty’s situation:

He is a hardworking player, who has been hit hard with injuries. He hasn’t finished a season yet for the Bears. He missed his rookie season, 2006, after he had foot surgery. He played one game in 2007, until he went down for the season with a torn ACL in his right knee. Last season, 2008, he played 12 games and performed very well until he suffered torn biceps. This seasons injury maybe a career ending injury, because he has torn his ACL in his right knee twice.

The former third round pick is on his last year of his contract. I don’t know if the Bears will want an injury prone player like Dusty on the team, you can’t count on him. This could turn into another Mike Brown situation. It’s a shame this happens to such a good player, who never gives less than a 100% effort.

Whats Next?

Well Marcus Harrison and Anthony Adams will continue splitting reps at nose tackle, while Matt Toeaina steps into the rotation.

quotes from the chicagosuntimes.com and chicagotribune.com