Two days after right guard Matt Slauson and center Roberto Garza exited the season opener with ankle injuries, the Bears on Tuesday re-signed versatile offensive lineman Eben Britton.
The six-year veteran was released by the Bears Aug. 30 as part of final cuts. Britton missed most of training camp and the first three preseason games this summer with a knee injury.
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| Eben Britton played in the final 13 games for the Bears last season, making four starts. |
Asked about final cuts during a Q-and-A session last week on ChicagoBears.com, general manager Phil Emery said: "One of the hardest was Eben Britton because he positively contributed last year and he had developed deep bonds with the other members of the offensive line and team."
It's unclear how long Slauson and Garza will be sidelined. Coach Marc Trestman said Monday that all Bears players who were injured in Sunday's loss to the Bills were still being evaluated.
After Slauson and Garza left the game, they were replaced by Michael Ola and Brian de la Puente, respectively. The two reserves excelled, helping the Bears compile 233 total yards in the second half and overtime while not allowing a sack on 31 pass attempts.
"It's tough losing those guys, especially Garza," left tackle Jermon Bushrod said Monday. "He's our guy. He's our leader. Slauson, he's another tough competitor. But at the end of the day, Michael Ola and de la Puente did a great job."
To make room on the roster for Britton, the Bears terminated the contract of receiver/return specialist Micheal Spurlock, an eight-year veteran who signed with the team in June. In Sunday's opener, Spurlock caught one pass for eight yards and called a fair catch on his only punt return.
Spurlock appeared in 67 games over the past seven seasons with the Cardinals, Buccaneers, Chargers, Jaguars, Lions and Cowboys. He has averaged 9.6 yards with two touchdowns on 81 punt returns and 24.2 yards and three TDs on 107 kickoff returns.
The Bears also made a move on their practice squad, re-signing receiver Greg Herd and terminating the contract of defensive tackle Roy Philon.
Herd was with the Bears from Aug. 5-24. He entered the NFL in 2013 as an undrafted free agent with the Cowboys from Eastern Washington and also spent time with the Seahawks last summer in training camp.
