It seems unlikely that Alex Brown, released by the Saints, will be back in a Bears uniform any time soon. (Jose M. Osorio/Tribune photo)
Even with backups slated to play most of the game Thursday night in the exhibition finale against the Browns, the Bears might not find an answer for their question at defensive end.
It's a final opportunity for a roster evaluation but if the Bears haven't seen it to this point, will they Thursday in the search to determine who will rotate with starters Julius Peppers and Israel Idonije?
Corey Wootton is targeting the Sept. 11 opener for a return but might be sidelined a little longer coming off arthroscopic surgery Aug. 16 to clear up minor cartilage damage in his right knee. Undrafted free agent Mario Addison flashed some skills in training camp but has faded some and general manager Jerry Angelo has called the spot a "concern." Nick Reed has played some and shown little.
Then there is the possibility the Bears could shake things up and use some tackles on the outside, an option that comes with no guarantees of production.
One familiar name became available Tuesday when the Saints released veteran Alex Brown after one season.
"We'll talk to them and see what they say," the former Bear told the Tribune. "I want to go somewhere that's going to win. That's what I am looking for."
But he's looking for a chance to play and from the sounds of things, coach Lovie Smith is pleased where things are right now.
"If we didn't feel comfortable, we'd be bringing in other guys," Smith said. "I'm excited about the defensive ends we have."
Brown also could draw strong interest from Ron Rivera and the Panthers. He might be happy to go there because of the bond he has with the former Bears defensive coordinator.
Wootton, a fourth-round pick in 2010, is clearly the preferred option. But the Bears can't be sure what they will get when he returns. The team hasn't had an impact third end since Mark Anderson was second in defensive rookie of the year voting in 2006. The third end played nearly one-third of the time last season.
"It was tough just because I felt like I was way beyond the point I was back in 2008 before my injury," Wootton said. "I felt like I had all the speed and quickness. I felt like I was faster than I was then. So it was a little frustrating. But the only thing you can do is look at the positives. I know I'll get back to that point. It's only a matter of time."
Brown was strictly a right end for the Bears but played left end for the Saints. The 32-year-old believes he has three good seasons left in him. The Bears released him before the 2010 draft to save money after signing Peppers. He made 107 starts for the franchise.
"I didn't see it coming. I was practicing with the first team. I thought I was doing fine," Brown said of his release. "It didn't surprise me as much as Chicago. But they drafted a first-round pick at defensive end (Cameron Jordan) and I figured it was a matter of time, but not this year.
"I'm in shape. I'm ready to go."
Production from the third end in the three exhibitions has been minimal, at best. Maybe Smith is content waiting on Wootton.
"Alex Brown is a lifetime friend," Smith said. "(But) we like the guys we have right now. There's great competition."
bmbiggs@tribune.com
Twitter @BradBiggs
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It's a final opportunity for a roster evaluation but if the Bears haven't seen it to this point, will they Thursday in the search to determine who will rotate with starters Julius Peppers and Israel Idonije?
Then there is the possibility the Bears could shake things up and use some tackles on the outside, an option that comes with no guarantees of production.
One familiar name became available Tuesday when the Saints released veteran Alex Brown after one season.
"We'll talk to them and see what they say," the former Bear told the Tribune. "I want to go somewhere that's going to win. That's what I am looking for."
But he's looking for a chance to play and from the sounds of things, coach Lovie Smith is pleased where things are right now.
"If we didn't feel comfortable, we'd be bringing in other guys," Smith said. "I'm excited about the defensive ends we have."
Brown also could draw strong interest from Ron Rivera and the Panthers. He might be happy to go there because of the bond he has with the former Bears defensive coordinator.
Wootton, a fourth-round pick in 2010, is clearly the preferred option. But the Bears can't be sure what they will get when he returns. The team hasn't had an impact third end since Mark Anderson was second in defensive rookie of the year voting in 2006. The third end played nearly one-third of the time last season.
"It was tough just because I felt like I was way beyond the point I was back in 2008 before my injury," Wootton said. "I felt like I had all the speed and quickness. I felt like I was faster than I was then. So it was a little frustrating. But the only thing you can do is look at the positives. I know I'll get back to that point. It's only a matter of time."
Brown was strictly a right end for the Bears but played left end for the Saints. The 32-year-old believes he has three good seasons left in him. The Bears released him before the 2010 draft to save money after signing Peppers. He made 107 starts for the franchise.
"I didn't see it coming. I was practicing with the first team. I thought I was doing fine," Brown said of his release. "It didn't surprise me as much as Chicago. But they drafted a first-round pick at defensive end (Cameron Jordan) and I figured it was a matter of time, but not this year.
"I'm in shape. I'm ready to go."
Production from the third end in the three exhibitions has been minimal, at best. Maybe Smith is content waiting on Wootton.
"Alex Brown is a lifetime friend," Smith said. "(But) we like the guys we have right now. There's great competition."
bmbiggs@tribune.com
Twitter @BradBiggs