The Bears returned to work Monday at Halas Hall and also made a roster move. They signed tight end Brody Eldridge, while waiving running back Kahlil Bell.
Eldridge (6-5, 265 pounds) started 16 of 27 games over two seasons (2010-11) with the Indianapolis Colts, but was waived on May 17. He was claimed by the St. Louis Rams a day later.
In July, Eldridge was suspended for the first four games of this season after violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs. He was later released by the Rams.
A fifth-round pick out of Oklahoma, Eldridge is primarily a blocking tight end. He has 14 career receptions for 84 yards. He practiced with the Bears on Monday.
“It went good,” Eldridge said. “It’s good to back out there. I’m excited for this opportunity.”
Bell had fallen behind Armando Allen on the depth chart. He appeared in two games for the Bears this season, finishing with 32 rushing yards on 12 carries and a 11-yard reception.