Dec 8, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes (10) is unable to catch a pass in the end zone against Oakland Raiders cornerback Phillip Adams (28) in the first half during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-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.
About three weeks ago or so, the Bears worked out Santonio Holmes. Nothing came of it, no contract and no press releases. Then with unfortunate injury to TE, Zach Miller that opened the door and Holmes was signed to a one year deal. The former first round pick by the Steelers, brings in eight years of experience, even though the last two seasons with the Jets resulted in Holmes playing in 15 games total. The low performance was due to a severe Lisfranc foot injury.
The signing of Holmes is a low risk opportunity, for he is playing at the veteran minimum. Does he have enough in the tank and full recovery from his foot injury? Time will tell if he can find that 2009 performance which seems so long ago. Right now he will battle several for the fourth receiving spot. Holmes does bring experience and skills to the receiver corps, and yes, some of his baggage. It has been reported that so far Holmes has been humbled and is approaching his Bears opportunity as a professional.
It was uncertain if he would play last night against the Seahawksm but he did get in and make a nice slant catch for a first down. The other target was thrown behind him by Jordan Palmer, but he did knock the ball away from an oncoming Seahawk. With no one really stepping up to secure that 4th slot, Holmes has a good chance to make the 53 man roster an contribute throught out the season.