The Chicago Bears had held off on putting undrafted rookie Alex Bars on the main roster back in August. It was felt they had enough depth on the offensive line to make do without him and he could quietly learn the game from the practice squad. That plan nearly backfired when the New England Patriots made him an offer to join their active roster. Bars rather surprisingly refused, wanting to stay in Chicago. That may have proven to be a wise decision on his part.
Just a couple of weeks later, the Bears ended up placing both Kyle Long and Akiem Hicks on injured reserve. This opened up two key roster spots that would need filling. Sure enough, in need of more depth up front, they made the decision to bring Bars up to the main roster. It’s a welcome piece of news for his considerable fanbase that developed after a strong showing in the preseason. While it remains unlikely that he will play, it is a step in the right direction for those who have high hopes for him.
Chicago Bears feel they have something in Bars
It’s not only the fans who feel that the Bears got a steal when they signed Bars in undrafted free agency. If not for an untimely knee injury last year, the Notre Dame alum was a virtual lock to get drafted. His mixture of size and power alone look like they belong in the NFL. Harry Hiestand, the team’s offensive line coach sounded like a guy who thinks the rookie is fully capable of being a starter.
“THERE IS NO QUESTION HE WOULD HAD BEEN (DRAFTED) — THERE IS NO QUESTION,” HIESTAND SAID DURING THE OFFSEASON PROGRAM. “WE BENEFITED FROM THAT. I PERSONALLY KNOW THE GUY THAT DID THE SURGERY. HIS SON PLAYS SPORTS WITH MY SON BACK THERE. AND HE WAS LIKE SUPER CONFIDENT ON WHAT WAS DONE. PEOPLE ARE PLAYING WITH WHAT HE HAD DONE ALL OVER THE PLACE.”
This is particularly important because it gives Bars a chance to experience Sundays from the sideline. With Long likely gone in 2020 and Ted Larsen becoming a free agent as well, the Bears will soon be looking for new options at right guard. This could be his chance to get his foot in that door.
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