Chicago Bears: Could Marvin Austin be a possible addition with loss of Henry Melton?

(Photo credit: USA Today Sports Image) 

As the Chicago Bears improved to 3-0 on Sunday night with their win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, they also are dealing with the possibility of losing one of their top defensive players. Henry Melton was injured in the fourth quarter of Sunday night’s game in Pittsburgh, as he went down with no contact being made, and was shortly followed by being carted off the field. While there has been no official announcement of Melton’s injury, the team fears he has torn his ACL.

With Melton down, the team must look elsewhere, and although they have been impressed with Zach Minter, who is currently on their practice squad, there might be another player to consider. Former Giants second-round pick in 2011, Marvin Austin has been a hot target of most teams since New York cut him following the pre-season, but he has yet to sign anywhere. Since his release Austin, who is 6’2″ and 312-pounds, has been brought in by teams like the Seahawks, Lions, Chiefs, Dolphins, and most recently the Cincinnati Bengals just two days ago.

Austin is noted for his incredible size and strength, but has battled injuries through his early two-year career, including a torn pectoral muscle that ended his rookie season before it started. Ironically enough, before the Giants ended up drafting Austin, the Bears then coached by Lovie Smith and former defensive line coach Rod Marinelli, had scouted Austin heavily. There’s a new regime in Austin, but as his name continues to become a hot-want across the league, he could make perfect sense.

His power up the middle could help defensive ends Corey Wootton and Julius Peppers get to the quarterback, leading to much-needed production from the end position. The Bears who have caused key turnovers in each of their three games, have yet to have a consistent pass rush. Austin may not be an every-down lineman, but certainly has the size and strength to become a bull-rusher under Mel Tucker. Austin most recently knocked out Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez during week three of the pre-season, which put Sanchez on the injured-reserve.

Now it comes down to the franchise’s faith in Minter coming off the practice squad in the “next man up” situation, or looking at a talented young potential player in Austin.

Follow Mike Pendleton on Twitter @MP2310

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