Bears to cut McCown, go with two QBs
With two quarterbacks having 148 career regular-season starts between them, the Chicago Bears opted to not keep a third quarterback on their roster entering the 2012 season.
Releasing Josh McCown, who played well in Mike Martz's offense late in the 2011 season, was not a surprise. He's likely to be available as a free agent if the Bears develop a pressing need because of injury. He was a street free agent when he joined the Bears in November 2011.
This is the second time coach Lovie Smith has gone into a season without a third quarterback on his 53-man roster, but the last time he didn't have a third quarterback on the roster, former Northwestern quarterback Brett Basanez was on the practice squad.
The Bears signed veteran Jason Campbell, who has 70 career starts, to serve as Jay Cutler's primary backup. Cutler was hurt in the 10th game last season and missed the final six games with a thumb injury. He's made 78 career starts since he was drafted in the first round by the Bears in 2006.
The Bears on Friday waived former Notre Dame running back Armando Allen -- according to reports, which would make Lorenzo Booker the likely third running back on the roster. According to the Houston Chronicle, fullback Tyler Clutts was traded to the Texans for cornerback Sherrick McManis.
Allen had 16 carries for 83 yards, including a 49-yard run, and led the Bears with five receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's preseason finale at Cleveland.
Linebacker Jabara Williams, cornerback Isaiah Frey and safety Mark LeGree were also reportedly let go.
