Chicago Bears: Announcing the 2011 Practice Squad

Eight players were named to the Bears practice squad today, following Saturday's trimming of the active roster to 53. 

I will admit that among the top news of the day, naming the Bears' practice squad doesn't quite rank up there with how the Tea Party is affecting the Presidential race.

But to Bears fans, it could be interesting, for a couple of reasons.

First, it offers a glimpse into the players who just missed making the roster. You might consider the practice squad as a kind of "consolidation prize" for these guys. And, they weren't all Bears in camp.

But more importantly, these players could be called to the active roster if injuries or poor performance require it.

Now, they could also be plucked by other teams, as we saw with QB Dan LeFevour last season (he was also released by the Bengals on Saturday). But assuming these players stay put, some of them could be real, honest to goodness Bears at some point this season.

It is unknown how the signing of former New England safety Brandon Meriweather could affect the squad, as a player on the active roster will need to be trimmed to make room for Meriweather. 

So let's take a look at which players have made the squad.

WR Kris Adams

Adams has good size and impressed the Bears in camp and during preseason games. He made a number of of good catches.

The numbers game is working against him, however. With six receivers already on the active roster, it is unlikely they will need Adams during the season, But if they do, the 6'3" wideout will be there, unless he is plucked away by another team.

OT/G Levi Horn

Horn is truly a horn of plenty, as his 6'6", 320-pound frame will attest.

He spent last season on the Bears practice squad, and a similar fate may await him this year again.

RB Armando Allen

This former Notre Dame running back was signed by the Bears and placed on the practice squad after the final cuts on Saturday.

He had been cut by the Tampa Bay Bucs.

G Ricky Henry

Henry went undrafted out of Nebraska and the Bears like him, though his pass protection leaves something to be desired.

He's known as a nasty run blocker, so the Bears are thrilled he passed through waivers.

DT Jordan Miller

He bench-pressed 225 pounds 37 times at the combine but went undrafted. Despite a sack in the Browns game, he was waived by the Bears.

TE Andre Smith

Smith is known as a strong blocker, something that is near and dear to Mike Martz's heart. But the team took three tight ends, and Smith didn't make the final cut.

LB Patrick Trahan

Trahan was in camp on a reserve/future contract. Undrafted out of Old Miss, he had only two tackles this preseason.

S Anthony Walters

An undrafted defensive back out of Delaware, Walters had four tackles in two games.