Oct 20, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Chicago Bears kick returner Devin Hester (23) is congratulated by Chicago Bears safety Craig Steltz (20) after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedEX Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
We had so much fun doing our Countdown to Kickoff series last season that we decided to do it again. In case you’re new to the series, we’ll do a roster preview as we count down the days until the Chicago Bears September 7th season opener against the Buffalo Bills.
When Steltz was drafted in the fourth round out of LSU in 2008, it was thought he would be a starting FS. During his seven years with the Bears, Craig has never reached that starting role. However, he has become a central contributor to Special Teams. Of the 77 games Steltz has played in he started in eight of them. His most productive year as a started was in 2011, where he started in five games and produced 32 tackles and 11 assist. He also finished fourth on special teams with 12 tackles.
Starting the 2014 season, the Bears resigned Steltz to a one year deal. When OTA’s began he was out with a groin injury and has recently returned to practice. Steltz will have an uphill battle making the squad with the addition of several new faces at Safety. His only chance will be on special teams but even there he will be against faster. stronger younger players.