Bears waive receiver Santonio Holmes

Santonio Holmes’ run as the Bears’ punt returner and third receiver has ended. The Bears put Holmes, the Super Bowl XLIII MVP, on waivers Tuesday.

A nine-year veteran, Holmes never emerged as a threat in the offense. Josh Morgan remained ahead of him on the depth chart all season, and Marquess Wilson’s approaching return from short-term injured reserve made him expendable.

Holmes had a 32-yard touchdown catch and a 30-yard punt return against the Cleveland Browns in the preseason, and that performance sealed his spot on the Bears.

In nine regular-season games, Holmes had eight catches for 67 yards and nine punt returns for 50 yards. He was targeted only 14 times.

Holmes was signed to a one-year, minimum-benefit deal Aug. 16 after Wilson broke his collarbone diving for a pass during practice in training camp. Wilson returned to practice last week and is expected to be activated to the 53-man roster soon.

“I feel pretty good,” Wilson said last week.

“It felt good getting back in the swing of things and getting around the guys and actually practicing a little.’’

The Bears also terminated the practice contract of linebacker Terrell Manning.

With the open spot, wide receiver Rashad Lawrence, an undrafted rookie out of Northwestern, was signed to the practice squad.

Email: ajahns@suntimes.com

Twitter: @adamjahns