Bears Reinstate Harvey Unga

The Bears started their offseason conditioning program on Monday and despite the fact that running back Matt Forte was nowhere to be found, the backfield had a somewhat familiar face.  Remember Harvey Unga?  Just when you thought he was out, they pulled him back in.

Unga was selected by the Bears  in the 7th round of the 2010 Supplemental Draft and he took the Jerry Angelo redshirt plan, sitting out the 2010 season with a pulled hammy.  Last season, Unga had a decent showing in some preseason action before being excused from the team for personal reasons.

The 6’0″ 237 running back will face a tough battle to make the team.  Besides the holding out Forte, the Bears added Michael Bush and still expect Restricted Free Agent Kahlil Bell to be back in the fold.  In case you think Unga could compete for a job as a fullback, don’t forget about Tyler Clutts.

Besides all that, new GM Phil Emery doesn’t have any stake in Unga.  If he wants a shot at a coveted roster spot, his best chance might be if Matt Forte decides to extend his holdout into the regular season.