With first round draft pick Chris Williams iffy with a back injury, the Chicago Bears padded their offensive line by trading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for guard Dan Buenning. In return, the Bears gave the Bucs a draft pick in 2009. Cornerback Zackary Bowman was released to make room for Buenning on the roster, but the deal will not be finalized until Buenning passes a physical. This is especially important considering Buenning’s past. He started every game as a rookie in 2005, but then tore his ACL midway through the 2006 season. Because he wasn’t quite healed last season, the Bucs had him inactive for the entire season.
Buenning is adamant that he is ready to perform and told Larry Mayer, “I’m right there now, healthy as a horse. It was an ACL and that’s usually a year. They didn’t feel I was ready to go last season and besides, Sears was doing a good job.”
He is referring to Arron Sears, who took over the starting guard position for Buenning after his injury. The Bears need depth in their offensive line thanks to a less-than-ideal quarterback situation and a rookie running back. If Buenning stays healthy, he could be just what the doctor ordered. Find your Chicago Bears tickets at StubHub.com.