[CBFF] Bum groin finally bumps Bears' Vasher to injured reserve -- chicagotribune.com

[Tom Shannon]

Bum groin finally bumps Bears' Vasher to injured reserve -- chicagotribune.com




www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/cs-071227chicagobearsbitsvasher,1,591332.story
chicagotribune.com
BEARS BITS
Bum groin finally bumps Bears' Vasher to injured reserve

By Vaughn McClure

Tribune staff reporter

10:15 PM CST, December 27, 2007



Nathan Vasher's brief return to the Bears' lineup officially came to
an end Thursday.

 The Bears placed the cornerback on injured reserve, meaning Vasher
will miss Sunday's season finale against the Saints. He missed 11
games while recovering from a partially torn groin muscle suffered
against the Cowboys on Sept. 23.

 Vasher returned two weeks ago against the Vikings, grabbing an
interception and forcing another turnover in a 20-13 loss.

 "The most encouraging thing is I was able to try to help our team
win," Vasher said. "In the grand scheme of things, that's the most
positive thing—just to know that I'll be back to 100 percent and ready
to go next year."

 Vasher will rehab in Chicago in the off-season and won't need
surgery. He became the 14th Bear and the sixth starter to be placed in
injured reserve.

 Vasher played in four games, starting two. He recorded nine tackles,
an interception, two pass breakups and a sack.


Injury reportDefensive tackle Tommie Harris (knee) and receiver Muhsin
Muhammad (ankle) were the only two players to miss practice Thursday.

 Receiver Bernard Berrian (knee) and tackle Fred Miller (ankle)
returned in limited duty after missing Wednesday. Also limited
Thursday were linebacker Lance Briggs (hip), quarterback Rex Grossman
(knee) and defensive tackle Darwin Walker (elbow).

 For the Saints, running backs Reggie Bush (knee) and Aaron Stecker
(toe) again missed practice. Former Illinois and Thornton Fractional
South standout Pierre Thomas is expected to carry the load on Sunday.


Roster movesA day after elevating tight end Fontel Mines from the
practice squad, the Bears re-signed Brandon Rideau for Vasher's spot
on the active roster. Rideau was in an intense battle with Mike Hass
during exhibitions for the No. 6 receiver spot, but an ankle injury
impeded his chance of making the roster.

 Rideau did not practice with the team Thursday.

 "We think he has an upside," coach Lovie Smith said.


For startersDefensive end Alex Brown,who will make his second start of
the season against the Saints, was asked what he has learned about
himself after losing his starting job to Mark Anderson.

 "That sometimes, you just have to be quiet," Brown said. "I'm a
pretty talkative person, but sometimes you just have to not say
anything."

 Brown doesn't view Sunday's season finale as a time to rest.

 "Everything's on the line," he said. "You always have to prove
yourself. That's what I'm trying to do, prove I can still play. I
don't think anybody believes that I can't play."

Copyright (c) 2007, Chicago Tribune