The Chicago Bears are turning to a familiar face in their quest for offensive line help.
Eric Kush, who played with the team from 2016-18, is back. And in order to make room for him on the active roster, the team parted ways with center Aaron Neary.
Kush, 31, played 23 games with the Bears from 2016-18. He also has previous experience with Matt Nagy that dates back to when they crossed paths in Kansas City. More important than that, Kush has game snaps at center and guard. That figures to be helpful at a time when Chicago is short-handed at both positions.
Placing Kush on the practice squad allows the Bears to get the veteran lineman up to speed without using a spot on the active roster. With bonus points for not using a spot on the 53-man roster. And because rules allow for players to be called up from the practice squad on game day, Kush could still return to the game day roster as early as Monday. Kush hasn’t played since the end of the 2019 season, and hasn’t been active with a team since being cut by the Raiders at the end of training camp.
In the end, I’m not sure what the Bears will do with Kush. But I’m sure glad they’ve finally come around to finding some help from the line. Because Kush has starting experience at left guard, the team could kick Rashaad Coward out to right tackle. But if Jason Spriggs is available, Coward might be left without a starting spot. We’re probably a ways away from that scenario playing out. However, it’s one to consider for an offensive line that needs as much help as it can get.