Olindo 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.