Devin Thomas’ sudden departure from the Bears wasn’t a major jolt — he was on the roster bubble to begin with –but the Bears easily adjusted on the fly by signing former Bear Rashied Davis on Monday.
Davis, 33, who played six seasons with the Bears before signing with the Detroit Lions in 2012, figures to make a seamless transition despite joining the team two weeks into camp. In fact, he’ll likely be more acclimated to what the Bears are doing than Thomas was — certainly on special teams — within a day or two in camp.
”I’m extremely excited. I can’t wait to get back on the field,” Davis told a crowd of reporters Monday morning outside the lunch room at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais.
Davis had 35 receptions for 445 yards and two receptions and started 12 games for the Bears in 2008. He had nine receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown as a reserve in 2010. But his best chance to make the team this season will be on special teams, where he was a dependable four-phase contributor for Dave Toub.
”The opportunity to play football — that’s all I ever wanted. That’s all I’ve ever asked for,” Davis said about his opportunity with the Bears. ”Nothing’s changed for me. No different than any time I was ever here, I was always expected to get cut. So I’ve always pushed to make teams and I’m going to have to do the same here.”
Davis said he was at home in Mundelein with his wife and two children when the Bears called.
”Just working out. Staying in shape,” Davis said when asked what he was doing while waiting for a team to call. ”Talking to a few people. My agents. My wife. Got a few e-mails from people here and there, saying, ‘Are you in shape? Are you working out?’ Things to keep me motivated to keep going.
”At times it was tough. Difficult being at home, you’re working out. You’ve got two kids. You’ve got a wife. You’ve got people to support and you’re trying to figure out, ‘Is your carer over or are you still going to play?’ And people are saying, you’re going to play … agents, different coaches around the league, different people around the league saying, ‘Just be patient and stay in shape.’
”But it gets difficult. I’ve got two young kids. And I’m trying to figure out what’s the next step in life is going to be. But I’m happy to be here today.”
