[September 02, 2011] Are Bears hedging bets at running back? Taylor still likely to be cut Tweet CHICAGO, Sep 02, 2011 (Chicago Tribune - McClatchy-Tribune News Service via COMTEX) -- The longer the Bears hang on to Chester Taylor, the more a mild level of concern rises for the health of the running backs behind Matt Forte. Marion Barber has not practiced since suffering a left calf muscle injury last Saturday against the Titans. Kahlil Bell twisted his right ankle Thursday in the exhibition finale. Bell's injury isn't believed to be serious and there hasn't been serious concern surrounding Barber, but keep in mind Anthony Adams has been sidelined more than three weeks with a calf injury, and he's a defensive tackle, not a running back. Taylor still probably will be released Saturday, when the Bears make 12 more roster moves to reach the 53-man limit. They might want another day to evaluate medical information because they typically have released veterans as early as possible to facilitate their finding a job elsewhere. But what if Barber will miss the Sept. 11 opener against the Falcons and maybe beyond? The Bears waived 14 players Friday, and running back Harvey Unga is on the reserve/left squad list, meaning they have an exemption for him until he returns. Taylor's $1.25 million base salary makes it likely he will be cut because that money is guaranteed if he's on the roster in Week 1. General manager Jerry Angelo could be working to trade Taylor. Marcus Harrison is on the bubble and probably will have to beat out Amobi Okoye as a fifth defensive tackle. That seems unlikely. It's hard to imagine the Bears will keep six tackles considering end Israel Idonije could move inside in a pinch. Mario Addison and Nick Reed are pushing for a job as a fourth defensive end behind Julius Peppers, Idonije and Corey Wootton, who might practice next week for the first time since arthroscopic surgery on his right knee last month. It remains to be seen if the Bears will keep a fullback, something they didn't do last season because the position is not a staple of Mike Martz's offense. Eddie Williams was waived Friday, but Will Ta'ufo'ou is an option. They also could keep Kyle Adams as an H-back/tight end or Andre Smith as a fourth tight end. Eight offensive linemen are likely to make the roster, and Edwin Williams' versatility inside makes him a good bet. Given the high praise for undrafted wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher, it's hard to imagine he won't make it. On defense, linebacker Dom DeCicco and safeties Winston Venable and Anthony Walters are candidates to stick. Among those waived were guard Johan Asiata, linebacker Chris Johnson and wide receivers Andy Fantuz and Onrea Jones. Asiata was the only one who had played in a regular-season game for the Bears. Fantuz likely will return to the CFL, where he has been a star. Also cut loose were nine undrafted rookies: cornerbacks Antareis Bryan and Ryan Jones, linebackers Tressor Baptiste and Deron Minor, defensive end Jake Laptad, offensive linemen Josh Davis and Alex Linnenkohl, wide receiver Jimmy Young and punter Spencer Lanning. Laptad, as a long snapper, and Lanning could attract interest from teams seeking specialists. The roster Saturday night isn't final. Moves can be made at the bottom of the roster in coming days. ___ (c)2011 the Chicago Tribune Visit the Chicago Tribune at www.chicagotribune.com Distributed by MCT Information Services [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]