Bell re-signing continues run of bad Emery luck

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The Bears brought running back Kahlil Bellonto the roster on Tuesday for the third time in a year as somewhere Phil Emeryis probably wondering whos sticking pins in a General Manager doll.Bell replaces Matt Forte understudy MichaelBush, who was placed on injured reserve with a rib injury suffered in theSeattle game, then limited him to one carry in Minnesota and to the sidelinesagainst Green Bay.

Bush, as strong a short-yardage back as theBears have had in recent seasons, becomes the latest Emery roster additionforced into some unexpected down time.

Emery attempted to upgrade the offensiveline last offseason. He signed former 49ers second-round pick Chilo Rachal, whowon a starting job but melted down after losing the job with a debacle againstthe San Francisco 49ers.

That was a week before the teams bestoffensive lineman, guard Lance Louis, was lost for the season with a kneeinjury.

Emery signed Jonathan Scott, who replacedGabe Carimi at right tackle but suffered a hamstring injury against Green Bayand is a question this week.

No. 1 draft choice Shea McClellin has beendown with a concussion and knee injury. No. 2 pick Alshon Jeffery missed four gameswith a broken hand and then two with a knee injury. No. 3 Brandon Hardin wenton injured reserve with a neck injury in the second preseason game. No. 4 pickEvan Rodriguez has come back respectably from a knee injury that had him outfor four games.

Bush was a marquee signing early lastoffseason, giving the Bears a safety net in negotiations with Forte and aproven big back and former starter with the Oakland Raiders.

Bush appeared in the first 13 games thisseason and started in the win over St. Louis when Forte was out with an ankleinjury. He averaged 3.6 yards per carry and was second to Brandon Marshall (10)with five touchdowns.

Bell was with the Bears through theoffseason after signing a tender offer for 1.26 million. After the Bushsigning in March for four years and 14 million, and Forte signed a four-yeardeal at the outset of training camp, Bells price as a No. 3 back was out ofline with his slot.

When he refused to take a pay cut, the Bearswaived him on Aug. 23. He returned Sept. 15 and was waived a month later. Heeventually signed with the New York Jets, who released him last week.

Bell started three games for the Bears lastseason after Fortes season-ending knee injury. He totaled 337 yards on 79carries, with a peak of 121 yards against the Green Bay Packers.

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