5 things the Chicago Bears’ initial 53-man roster tells us
By Ryan Heckman
3. Kicker might be a controversial position real soon
Over the course of training camp, Nagy made it known that he would carry a pair of kickers this season. Whether that be on the active roster or practice squad, he wasn’t leaving anything up to chance.
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One of the factors involved in this decision is, of course, the coronavirus pandemic. If the Bears are down a kicker, it will be nice to have another guy familiar with the team who can step in on a moment’s notice.
But, the other factor is intriguing. Eddy Pineiro is dealing with a groin injury and could be placed on injured reserve any time now. In fact, as we speak, there have been whispers of such. If that’s the case, Chicago now has a backup plan.
Although Cairo Santos was waived, he was brought back to the practice squad — just as Nagy suggested all along.
Let’s say Santos kicks well in the place of Pineiro. Does Nagy ride with the … hot leg? He might have to. This team has been plagued by back kicking for years now, although Pineiro did OK last season.
But, Santos has practiced well and kicked perfectly while at Soldier Field in a recent Saturday padded practice. If he continues to kick well, the Bears could have a kicking controversy; that is, assuming Pineiro misses time.