ReutersOlindo Mare is officially the new kicker for the Chicago Bears.
The Bears placed Robbie Gould on injured reserve Tuesday, shortly after Mare won a competition over fellow veterans Billy Cundiff and Neil Rackers for the right to be the replacement should Gould wind up needing replacement. Gould’s injured calf limited him to extra points after hurting his calf in pregame warmups before the Bears lost to the Vikings. He said after the game that he’d be all right, but it seems opinion has changed on that front.
Mare kicked for the Panthers last season and has seen time with the Dolphins, Saints and Seahawks as well during his long career.
The Bears also placed safety Craig Steltz and cornerback Sherrick McManis on injured reserve Tuesday. Both players saw most of their action on special teams and they’ll be replaced by a couple of players moving up from the practice squad. Wide receiver Joe Anderson was on Chicago’s squad after failing to make the team out of training camp and linebacker Jerry Franklin was signed off the Cowboys’ practice squad.
Chicago also released offensive lineman Andre Gurode on Tuesday, leaving them with one roster spot left to fill.
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Looks like Gould may get the chance to test FA. Me thinks his comments about the Bears’ home field advantage, er, poor field conditions, may have gotten him a quick hook.
Should have kept your mouth shut about the field Robbie.
Place is a dump who can blame him
Zero chance they let him go. He’s been as good as a kicker can be for the a long time. They just can’t afford to keep a roster spot for him right now, even if it’s just one game.
Olindo Mare, 68% for his career at Soldier.
Just sayin’.
I’m glad the Packers play the Bears this week of all weeks. Go Pack!
Surprised longwell didn’t get a stab at it.
Gould mastered kicking in the tricky Soldier Field wind swirls. Will be interesting to watch Mare, as he has never experienced the late season Chicago weather conditions.
Just another late season swoon for the Bears. I think most of us saw it coming.
I would be surprised if the Cowboys don’t pick up Gurode considering their issues at center and his familiarity with the Jason Garrett’s offense.
If Gould is going to be available, any team without a bonafide kicker should be taking a run a him. Yes, that means you Ted Thompson.
Just amazing to think that Bears fans are paying attention to who the Bears kicker will be this week against the Packers. They need to worry about whether or not the scoreboard at Soldiers Field can register 3 digits for the Packers. Let’s hope Lovie got stuck in Minnesota.
But then I am sure there were passengers on the Titanic who were worried about the last song the band was going to play.
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This ought to make all you Bears fans feel better: Who has thrown for more yards this season – Jay Cutler or Christian Ponder?
A: Christian Ponder
Sweet Dreams All!
The kickers’ carousel still playing. To be continued.
Bears are literally crumbling down the stretch!
Last year re-do.
conormacleod says: Dec 11, 2012 3:44 PM
“Just another late season swoon for the Bears. I think most of us saw it coming.”
But hey, compared to teams that were never in the playoff chase to begin with, the Bears are in ‘great shape’…Just ask Lovie.