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Is Cedric Benson even going to make it to training camp?
That’s a fair question now. He’s been unproductive on the field (he averaged only 3.4 yards per carry last year), and his off-field problems continue to mount. A month ago, he was involved in a boating incident where police said he had been drinking. Now, Benson has been charged with drunken driving.
Austin, Texas, police say they pulled over Benson between 3 and 4 am, after he ran a red light, and that he refused to take a breathalyzer test.
I think the Bears have probably about had it with this guy. I don’t think he’ll be on their opening day roster. They drafted Matt Forte in the second round and have Adrian Peterson coming back, so they have some other options. Maybe they’ll sign Kevin Jones to add some depth at that position.
To read the details on this one click here.
UPDATE: Chicago GM Jerry Angelo says the team is very disappointed in Benson, according to a story in the Chicago Tribune.
"We are certainly going to take this seriously,” Angelo says. “Disappointment is too often-used word when talking about Cedric. The No. 1 lesson of every player is protect your job."
If the Bears release Benson, it wouldn’t significantly alter the fantasy value of rookie Matt Forte (whom we like). The team would likely add a veteran (Kevin Jones, perhaps) to fill that roster spot.
—Ian Allan
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Posted by Paul Owers | Jun. 07 at 03:00 PM
If the Bears release Benson -- and they should -- my top two picks from a year ago both would be unemployed. I drafted T. Henry late in the first round, but he got the boot in Denver last week. Funny how things work out. I thought I had a couple of steals in Henry and Benson, but they were stiffs who kept me in last place for much of the season. Maybe this year I'll draft Moss and Brady 1-2, guaranteeing that the Patriots finish 4-12.
Posted by Eugene Hitt | Jun. 08 at 03:36 AM
I read this morning that"Georgia Southern"AP is going to start with Forte' expected to be the starter later in the season. "IF" Cedric is released, what are the chances the Bears sign S.Alexander? Why would they keep Cedric?{besides financial reaseons}. I would think your paying attention to the headlines..
Posted by ANDY RICHARDSON | Jun. 08 at 04:29 AM
Well, just a couple of weeks ago the Bears said Benson was the starter. But since he's not particularly good, most just figured he'd be decisively outplayed in the preseason and lose the job to Forte. And I think the same applies to Chicago's Adrian Peterson. He's not very good. The Bears drafted Forte in the second round. Why would they waste any time getting him into the lineup for a mediocre back like Peterson? Granted, this is the Bears, who seem quite content with mediocrity at the offensive skill positions, but if you're in a draft, do you want to take a guy like AP who's probably one or two bad outings away from being a backup yet again, or a guy who "could" win the starting job in the preseason and will almost certainly be there before too long? Sure the Bears aren't going to come out in the media and name the rookie the starter; don't want to tick off the veterans he'd be replacing. But that's still the most likely result. As for Shaun Alexander, I dunno, the fact that he's still unsigned suggests no one views him as an NFL starter anymore. He might need an injury or two to get a job.