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| Tackle Jonathan Scott, who played for the Steelers last season, was active for the Bears for the first time on Monday night, which likely means that former first-round pick Chris Williams is on his way out. (US Presswire) |
When the Bears signed T Jonathan Scott, it looked like a precursor to the departure of 2008 first-round draft pick Chris Williams.
When Scott was active Monday night for the first time and Williams inactive, the probability of Willams' departure looked even more likely.
"We wanted to give Jon a chance," offensive coordinator Mike Tice said. "Jon had not suited up in the minimal role that our backup tackle has in the game. We were going to utilize him a little bit in goal line, and, also, it's not the only reason. He's our backup deep snapper now, too, and a legitimate one."
Long snapper Patrick Mannelly had been sick during the week leading up to the game but was fine by game time. However, few teams can claim to have two legitimate long snappers on their roster let alone active on a game day. It's a luxury the Oakland Raiders no doubt wish they had after losing their opener due to poor snaps after their long snapper was injured.
It doesn't seem likely Williams' turn will come again. The 14th pick of the '08 draft is in the final year of his contract at $1 million, so he wouldn't break the bank if kept throughout this season in case of an injury or two at tackle.
However, his departure at some point soon wouldn't be a shock, either. And beyond this season it would seem very unlikely he'll be a Bear.
Follow Bears reporter Gene Chamberlain on Twitter @CBSBears.
