Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
In looking at the Bears' special teams depth chart, I noticed only starters listed at kicker (Cairo Santos), punter (Pat O'Donnell) and long-snapper (Patrick Scales). If any of them got hurt during a game, who would fill in?
Bob Z.
Seattle, Washington
As is the case with most teams, I would surmise that if either punter Pat O'Donnell or kicker Cairo Santos was injured during a game, the other individual would handle both responsibilities, though obviously a new holder would be needed to replace O'Donnell. During Santos' first stint with the Bears in 2017, he sustained an injury during pregame warmups that limited him to extra points and short field goal attempts. O'Donnell would have handled longer field goals, but there were no such opportunities. When Patrick Scales was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list this summer during training camp, second-year tight end Cole Kmet replaced him. So, I imagine Kmet would be the next man up if Scales was injured.
In 2012, my wife, daughters and mother-in-law attended the Bears' 41-3 blowout win over the Jaguars. Do you think that was the best recent road blowout?
Glenn D.
St. Augustine, Florida
The interesting thing about that game is that it was tied 3-3 at halftime and the Bears outscored the Jaguars 38-0 in the second half, including 28-0 via four touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Interestingly, Charles Tillman and Lance Briggs each returned interceptions 36 yards for touchdowns in that game, one week after they both had pick sixes in a road win over the Cowboys. It was the first time in NFL history that two teammates both returned interceptions for TDs in back-to-back games. In terms of blowouts, the Bears have not had a more lopsided road win since that contest. The franchise record for a road victory is 49 points, set in 1941 with a 49-0 rout of the Lions and matched in 1943 with a 56-7 drubbing of the Giants.
Did any of the players the Bears released during final cuts sign with another team?
Ryan G.
Scottsdale, Arizona
I believe that outside linebacker James Vaughters, who signed with the Atlanta Falcons practice squad Friday, is the only player cut by the Bears in Tuesday's roster cutdown to join another team.
Chalk Talk features fan questions multiple times each week. Email your question to Larry.
