sh McCown might have saved the Chicago Bears’ season a year ago had he been around to start more than just the final two games.History would have been dramatically altered had the Bears gotten into the playoffs in 2011 instead of bottoming out after a 7-3 start to the season.
But McCown’s handy work in the final two games a year ago and a strong outing Thursday night in the exhibition finale at Cleveland was not enough to save him a spot on the 53-man roster. McCown confirmed to the Tribune Friday that he will be among the releases today as the team makes its cuts before the 8 p.m. deadline.
McCown passed for two touchdowns in the 28-20 victory over the Browns and was dominant in the first half. He was just as concerned about trying to help those around him fighting for a roster spot.
“More importantly, there are 10 other guys and their careers are on the line as well,†McCown said. “As a quarterback you want to move the ball and give them as many opportunities as you can to make plays so they can put themselves in position.â€
Also, a league source said running back Armando Allen did not make the final cut, meaning the Bears are likely to go with Lorenzo Booker as the third running back.
Fullback Tyler Clutts, who was added just before Week 1 a year ago, will be placed on waivers. Clutts played a little more than 30 percent of the time on offense last season when the Bears rushed for 2,000 yards for the first time since 1990. The move is not a surprise as offensive coordinator Mike Tice prefers to use tight ends because he believes they are more versatile. Clutts’ playing time dropped significantly during the spring and training camp and he barely played in preseason until the exhibition finale Thursday night in Cleveland.
Clutts’ departure is a strong signal the Bears will elect to keep four tight ends on the roster – Kellen Davis, Matt Spaeth, Evan Rodriguez and Kyle Adams.
Cornerback Greg McCoy, a seventh-round draft pick from TCU, will be waived. Also on the way out, according to various sources, are wide receiver Brittan Golden, safety Mark LeGree, cornerback Cornelius Brown and linebacker Xavier Adibi.
