The Bears hope Shaun Gayle is a big hit when he returns to the lineup Sunday.
”He`s an extremely good hitter. That`s contagious,” said Bears defensive coordinator Vince Tobin.
The ninth-year strong safety was activated from the injured-reserve list Monday. To make room on the roster for Gayle, the Bears placed nickel back John Mangum on injured reserve with a bad knee.
”I can bring a little more experience to the secondary,” said Gayle, who hasn`t suited up since injuring an ankle against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third preseason game.
Without Gayle, the defense ranks 25th overall and 26th against the pass in the NFL.
”I don`t have any solving idea or anything. I can just do my job,” said Gayle, who is expected to split time with Markus Paul against Tampa Bay.
”The first game back is always a transition. It`s been very difficult, especially with the way the season has turned out. When I`m sitting on the sidelines, it`s not where you want to be.”
Free safety Mark Carrier was all smiles Monday. ”It`s great to have Shaun back,” said Carrier. ”He`ll help us tremendously.”
Gayle also missed the first four games last season with a stress fracture of the left shin. But after coming back, he played well enough to make the Pro Bowl.
In 1988, Gayle fractured a vertebra and was out the last half of the season.
”I feel I can contribute, especially after going through summer camp and two-a-days,” said Gayle.
Gayle said he has been ready to play for two weeks ”but I left that up to the trainers and the coaches. I`ve had worse injuries.”
Without Mangum, the Bears defense will have to make adjustments in obvious passing situations.
”It hurts that he won`t be able to play some of the nickel defenses that we`d like to play when teams have four wide receivers in the ballgame,” said Tobin.
”Some teams don`t run four wide receivers in nickel. They run a tight end and three wideouts. But most teams do run four wide receivers. You would rather have four corners covering the four wide receivers.
”Either David Tate or Shaun Gayle or Maurice Douglass will have to play that spot.”
