Bears Reach Settlement With Blanchard to Reach Roster Limit of 75

Aug 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Blanchard (4) during the second half against the San Diego Chargers at Soldier Field. Chicago won 33-28. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears reached the league mandated roster limit of 75 players by agreeing to an injury settlement with third string quarterback Matt Blanchard.  In reaching the settlement, Blanchard will not be eligible for the practice squad until after Week 10.  He will also not be able to sign with any other teams until after the term of the settlement has elapsed.

Blanchard was having a nice camp and the coaching staff liked him as their developmental quarterback behind Jay Cutler and Josh McCown.  When he was injured, the Bears brought in Jordan Palmer and Trent Edwards for auditions and to help get them through the final preseason game rather than putting either of their top two QB’s at risk in a meaningless game.

With Blanchard ineligible for the practice squad, the Bears might need a third QB on the roster to run scout team and assist in the week to week preparations.   That makes the game particularly interesting for the veterans Palmer and Edwards.

An interesting prospect to keep an eye on is Scott Tolzien, who was cut by San Francisco on Monday.  He was the Niners’ third stringer last season, but didn’t see any action, so I think he’d be eligible for the Bears’ practice squad.  He is a local kid, playing high school ball at Rolling Meadows before going on to become Wisconsin’s all time leader in completion percentage.

What do you think?  Do either Jordan Palmer or Trent Edwards make the squad?  Is there another quarterback out there that could claim a roster spot?