Marcus Harrison
hopes to play Sunday at Dallas, but the Bears’ defensive line rotation remains uncertain.
The 2008 third-round draft pick was expected to make a significant jump this season but was inactive Sunday against the Lions. The Bears had seven linemen on the 45-man game-day roster, and unless that changes, Harrison would have to replace
Henry Melton
, who stood out on special teams, or
Matt Toeaina
, who was in for 31 of 57 defensive snaps.
Toeaina clearly had a better training camp and preseason, when he took playing time from Harrison and became the nose tackle in nickel situations. The Bears have said Harrison can play both tackle positions, but some observers believe he’s best suited as a three-technique.
Harrison said he understood the decision to play Melton, who made two special teams tackles and played four snaps in pass-rushing situations.
“As far as ‘Toe,’ I’m happy for him,” Harrison said. “I’m trying to compete with him and the rest of the guys. It ain’t got nothing to do with them.”
Maybe sitting out will serve as a motivator for Harrison, who played in 16 games with nine starts last season. He was on the field for 52.8 percent of the defensive snaps.
“The No. 1 thing is, one bad play and one not as good of a performance as you want doesn’t reflect your passion,” defensive coordinator
Rod Marinelli
said. “It’s OK. Learn from the experience, go out attacking and move forward.
“He’s got the tools. He’s got the talent. Now he’s got to let it go.”
Expensive lesson:
The Bears fined tight end
Brandon Manumaleuna
$22,000 for missing meetings at the team hotel last Saturday, news reported first by ESPNChicago.com. The free-agent pickup didn’t have his schedule right after four night preseason games.
“It was a mistake,” Manumaleuna said.
The fine comes to a little more than one-third of a week’s pay for Manumaleuna, whose base salary is $1.055?million this season. A source said he will appeal the fine with the help of the players association.
Health beat:
Linebacker
Nick Roach
(hamstring) is questionable and probably will not play. Linebacker
Lance Briggs
(ankle) is the only other Bear on the injury report, and he’s probable.
For the Cowboys, offensive linemen
Marc Colombo
(knee) and
Kyle Kosier
(knee) and linebacker
DeMarcus Ware
(neck) are probable.
