Bears Notebook: Management set to meet about Benson

E-mail this story

Print this story

Share

CHICAGO - Bears officials will convene today to discuss Cedric Benson, who was arrested Saturday on an alcohol-related offense for the second time in five weeks. Benson flew into town from Austin, Texas, and was slated to give his side of the story either late Sunday or early today. There is a sense the Bears will take definitive action against Benson, perhaps even by releasing him. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner made sure to compliment rookie running back Matt Forte, the team's second round draft pick. “Everyone knows what happened [with Benson] and probably knows as much about it as I do,” Turner said. “But we did draft Matt Forte in the second round. I love Matt Forte. I think he's going to be a special player in this league.” Forte does not have to be the only option even in Benson's absence. Shaun Alexander, Travis Henry and Kevin Jones are notable running backs on the market, although each has issues that explain his availability. Benson was arrested early Saturday morning in Austin and charged with drunk driving after allegedly running a red light. On May 3, he was arrested for boating while intoxicated and resisting arrest. He has said he was the victim of police mistreatment and has pledged to fight the charges, both of which are misdemeanors. On guard: John St. Clair was a surprise starter at left guard toward the end of last season, moving from tackle to replace an injured and ineffective Terrence Metcalf. Although Metcalf currently is atop the depth chart, Turner said St. Clair could get into the mix again. “We've won with John St. Clair playing left tackle, right tackle and left guard,” Turner said. “He's a veteran. He's a professional. He prepares as well as anybody on our team.” St. Clair is working with the starters at left tackle, but first-round draft pick Chris Williams most likely will take over that spot. If St. Clair moves inside, however, the only apparent tackles on the roster would be Williams, veteran John Tait and rookies Kirk Barton and Cody Balogh. Quarterback shuffle: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers reduced their glut of quarterbacks a bit last week by placing Bruce Gradkowski on waivers. The Bears put in a claim on Gradkowski, according to the NFL Network, but he ended up going to St. Louis. The Rams had priority based on having a worse record last season. Gradkowski started 11 games as a rookie in 2006. He likely would not have figured into the competition between Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton for the starting job, except obviously in case of injury. Chris Simms is another candidate to get released by Tampa.