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.
If the Bears wanted to replace Robbie Gould, why didn't they bring in a second kicker to training camp to compete for the job?
Martin L.
Lisle, Illinois
It wasn't that the Bears were determined to replace Robbie Gould. They looked at Connor Barth as someone they would pursue if he was made available—and they acted as soon as he was released by the Saints. Said general manager Ryan Pace: "We had identified guys with other teams that we liked, that were occupied with those other teams. That's where I felt the quality was at that position. It wasn't necessarily somebody sitting on the street that we could bring in and say that was a legitimate challenges. Those players exist on other rosters so it was just a matter of, 'Hey, if they cut this guy, we've got to talk about it.'"
I know some players often change uniform numbers the week heading into the regular season. Was that the case this year?
Jonathan D.
To my knowledge, none of the players on the Bears' 53-man roster changed uniform numbers. The only two to do so are both on the practice squad. Tight end Ben Braunecker is now No. 84, while running back Senorise Perry switched to No. 35.
I haven't heard much about Ego Ferguson. Did he make the Bears' final roster?
Steve K.
Wheaton, Illinois
Defensive end Ego Ferguson was waived injured last Saturday as the Bears reduced their roster to the mandatory 53-man limit. But Ferguson cleared waivers and, according to coach John Fox, needs shoulder surgery to repair an injury he sustained in the preseason finale in Cleveland and will be placed on the Bears' injured reserve list.
