Bears Backer's Interesting Findings of the Day

Bears release seven year veteran Terrence Metcalf (Chicagobears.com)

Bears sign CB Marcus Hamilton to one-year deal (Yahoosports.com)

Detroit Lions to get new jerseys? (Ballhype.com)

Cardinals shopping WR Anquan Boldin? (Profootballtalk.com)

Packers, Bears, and Vikings Fans Crying for FA—Who Needs the Most? (Bleacherreport.com)

Safety Bullocks to challenge for Bears' starting job. (Chicagosuntimes.com)

Frank "the Tank" Omiyale: What Does He do for the Bears' Offensive Line?

The Bears recently signed a little known offensive lineman named Frank Omiyale (OH-mee-YEL).

So far Frank "the Tank" Omiyale's highlights of his career have been these two things:

1) On October 5, 2008, Omiyale made his first NFL regular season start, replacing the injured left tackle Jordan Gross who was out with a concussion.

2) Omiyale signed a four-year, $14 million deal with the Chicago Bears on February 27, 2009.

Omiyale was asked why he chose Da Bears:

“Because it’s the Bears. I’ve heard a lot about the tradition here. From talking to other players around the league, I know it’s a family-oriented organization, so that’s what really made it attractive.”

Omiyale sounds like a Chicago Bear to me.

With the retirement of John Tait and John St. Clair maybe not returning, I have come up with the Bears starters at the o-line:

LT- Chris Williams (The Bears' 14th overall in last year's draft, was injured for most of the season).

LG- Josh Beekman (He started all 16 games for the Bears last season and did a solid job, some say he might take over at center once Olin Kreutz retires).

C- Olin Kreutz (The soon to be 32 year old, struggled at times last season, but still can be the pro bowl player he was three seasons ago).

RG- Roberto Garza (31 year old lineman was shaky at times through last season, and Bears' GM Jerry Angelo has said Frank Omiyale could compete with Garza at RG if John St. Clair doesn't resign).

RT- Frank Omiyale (From what you read above, Omiyale is very inexperienced, but many Panthers players have said he was overshadowed by Pro Bowler Jordan Gross).

Backups:

G- Dan Buenning a reserve lineman for the Bears last season could be in the mix with Garza for the starting RG job.

G- Terrence Metcalf- was suspended for four games last season and has struggled at times when he was able to start.

LS- Patrick Mannelly- Strictly a long snapper, but is listed at center.

T- Cody Balogh- spent all last season on the practice squad last season.

G- Tyler Reed- also spent all last season on the practice squad.

quotes from chicagosuntimes.com

Terrence Metcalf suspended by the NFL for four games

The NFL has suspended Bears guard Terrence Metcalf for four games for violating the league’s policy on anabolic steroids and related substances.

Metcalf lost his job to second year pro Josh Beekman this offseason and hasn't played in any game this season.

The seventh-year pro from Mississippi is eligible to return to the team on Monday, Nov. 17 after missing games against the Vikings, Lions, Titans and Packers.

Metcalf has appeared in all six games this season.

He started five games at left guard last year, but struggled and was benched after playing with a broken hand.

“It’s something that happens,” coach Lovie Smith said. “He’s not the first guy in the league to get suspended for this reason, and that’s about as much time as we can spend on it. The league says he’s suspended four games. That’s what we’ll go with. … When you make a mistake like that, there are consequences that go with it.”

Will Metcalf still be a Bear when the suspension ends?

“We see it that way,” Smith said. “I don’t see why he wouldn’t be. It’s a four-game suspension, and that’s how we’re looking at it. Hopefully, we can get it back.”

Metcalf’s agent Jeffrey Nalley did not immediately return a call seeking comment.