Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of email questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
From what I've seen, Trevor Scott has had some quality reps in the preseason. How does he fit in the defensive end mix?
Dave S.
Julian, Pennsylvania
I agree with you about defensive end Trevor Scott performing well in preseason games. He also impressed me throughout training camp. It seemed like I was writing his number down in my notepad after a good pass rush in team drills on a daily basis. In terms of Scott's role, it looks like he will be rotated into the lineup as the fourth defensive end behind Jared Allen, Lamarr Houston and Willie Young, though Scott is being pushed by fellow veteran Austen Lane. Scott is a seven-year veteran who has appeared in 76 career games with 18 starts for the Raiders (2008-11), Patriots (2012) and Buccaneers (2013).
Why do so many injured players wait so long after the season to have corrective surgery? For instance, Chris Conte waited until March to have his shoulder surgery which caused him to miss the entire offseason and most of training camp.
Dick D.
West Chicago, Illinois
I don't know about Chris Conte's specific situation, but I was talking to a Bears veteran (not Conte) about why players sometimes wait to have surgery and he told me something I hadn't considered. He explained that players typically have issues with their knees, legs, shoulders, elbows, etc. every year after battling through a rigorous NFL season and sometimes assume what they're feeling is just normal soreness rather than an injury that could require surgery. It's not until they start working out again in February or March and are still hurting that they realize that they're experiencing more than just soreness. Again, I don't know if that's what transpired with Conte, but it's interesting to consider.
Has there been any talk about whether the Bears will carry receiver Marquess Wilson on their 53-man roster, place him on injured reserve or put him on IR/designated to return while he recovers from his broken collarbone?
Blake
Tabernacle, New Jersey
I believe that the Bears intend to keep Marquess Wilson on their 53-man roster while he recovers from the broken collarbone he sustained in training camp. Putting him on injured reserve with the designation to return sometime this season remains an option, but teams can only use that with one player a season and I don't see them doing that unless they have a rash of injuries and really need Wilson's roster spot.
