Troy Taormina-US PRESSWIRE
Multiple sources are reporting that the Chicago Bears have invited former Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins running back Steve Slaton to Halas Hall. He has a workout scheduled for Saturday. This coming on the heels of Matt Forte’s high ankle sprain suffered yesterday against the Green Bay Packers. In most cases, a high ankle sprain is a two to four-week injury.
Slaton was originally drafted by the Texans in the third round of the 2008 NFL draft after a strong career at West Virginia. He busted onto the scene rushing for almost 1,300 yards and 400 yards receiving during his rookie campaign. Slaton never regained his rookie form and eventually injured his shoulder and was released by the Texans before being signed by the Dolphins last season. He had a very unspectacular time with the Dolphins before being released earlier this month.
Former Bear Kahlil Bell still also remains an option. But reports out of Halas Hall are that the Bears want to go another direction after Bell refused to restructure his contract. Bell also has an issue with holding onto the football, which Slaton has also shown in his career. Slaton certainly has done more in the NFL, but his role will primarily be to backup Michael Bush on the short-term. Slaton’s ability to play special teams will also be a factor in this decision.
While I am not panicking over Forte quite yet, this move tells you that the Bears aren’t that trusting of Notre Dame product Armando Allen. Considering they released and brought back Allen once, they just aren’t in love with his future.
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