Chicago Bears

Bears Keep Willie Young While Trimming Roster to 53

The Chicago Bears are keeping outside linebacker Willie Young — at least for now.

Young was not among the 20 players released as the Bears trimmed their roster to 53 before Saturday's deadline.

The was some speculation he might be let go even though he led the Bears with 10 sacks last season, in part because he is working his way back from a torn left Achilles tendon. The Bears also switched from a 4-3 to a 3-4 scheme under John Fox, and with that, Young got moved from the defensive line to outside linebacker, adding another wrinkle.

Chicago also kept David Fales as the third quarterback behind Jay Cutler and Jimmy Clausen.

The Bears waived 15 players, including linebacker David Bass and guard Michael Ola. Linebacker Mason Foster and tight end Dante Rosario were among four vested veterans who had their contracts terminated.

Receiver A.J. Cruz was waived/injured, and safety Anthony Jefferson went on injured reserve.

Defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff was placed on the reserve/suspended list. He was suspended the first three games by the league for violating the substance abuse policy. Ratliff said that punishment stemmed from a 2013 drunken-driving incident, when he was with the Dallas Cowboys.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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