Bears DT Collins Suspended One Game

One of the newest Chicago Bears is off to a great start with his new team as the NFL has suspended defensive tackle Nate Collins for one game and docked an additional game check for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.  The former Jaguar was busted for pot in Virginia back in February.

The Jaguars had tendered Collins with an exclusive rights tender, but pulled it back after the arrest, which put the 24-year old on the market for the Bears. Collins appeared in 12 games for Jacksonville last year, making 10 tackles.Collins will be competing with the likes of John McCargo, DeMario Pressley, Jordan Miller and Ronnie Cameron for the 4th DT spot.

Defensive tackle is an area of concern for the Bears as the top three DT’s Henry Melton, Matt Toeaina and Stephen Paea are a little inexperienced.  Melton had a strong season in 2011, but hasn’t been consistent before that.  Toeaina is solid but not spectacular and Paea showed flashes as a rookie, but consistency has been a concern.