LAKE FOREST — Former Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather, known around the league as a heavy hitter, has not unpacked all his bags after his quick move to Chicago this week.
But he insists he doesn’t come to the Bears with a lot of baggage anyway. Instead, he intends on quietly working his way into this defense, and contributing in a big way — most likely with some big hits — very soon.
“I ain’t even unpacked yet; I’m still unpacking, you know, but I know what I can do, and I’m ready to show it,” Meriweather said just before Wednesday’s practice at Halas Hall. “We haven’t even played a game yet, and I really can’t focus on how I fit in yet ... But I’m confident I can help this team.”
Meriweather, a first-round draft pick in 2007 for New England, was released by the Patriots on Saturday, but he said: “Nothing in this league surprises me.” He had 261 tackles, 12 interceptions and two sacks, and he made the Pro Bowl in each of the past two seasons.
Now he hopes to quickly learn his new offense and “hopefully” be ready to go on Sunday in the team’s season opener.
Bears running back Matt Forte is going to play this season under his existing contract, something he didn’t appear to be too happy about on Wednesday.
“I’m disappointed. I’m kind of frustrated it didn’t get done,” Forte said. “I was expecting to get paid just like some of the other backs similar to me. That didn’t happen. I obviously I have to continue to play under my regular contract.”
Forte said during training camp that he was confident a contract extension of some sort would get done before the season began, but that didn’t happen. Last weekend Bears general manager told reporters those talks are tabled, probably until the end of the season.
“It’s unfortunate the contract situation did not get, the contract didn’t get extended,” Forte added. “But I have no regrets.”
Forte says he will continue to play at 100 percent for as long as he’s a Bear, and beyond.
According to Bears head coach Lovie Smith, “We’re running out of time” for backup running back Marion Barber to get ready for the season opener. Barber left the Aug. 27 preseason game with a calf injury and has not returned to action.
He was the only Bear who did not suit up and practice with the team Wednesday, and his injured calf has now held him out of live action for more than a week. He was still second on the team with 96 yards on 21 carries in the preseason and second on the depth chart, but his inactivity has Smith worried.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to get him on the field before too long,” Smith said.
There were no real surprises on the two released that were doled out Wednesday: The team’s regular-season-opening depth chart, and the injury report for Week 1. Anthony Adams and Corey Wootton were limited at practice Wednesday and, along with Barber, were listed as questionable. Wide receiver Sam Hurd was back in action as well, and he is probable to play Sunday. As for the depth chart, Roy Williams and Devin Hester will start at the two wideout slots, and Henry Melton was still listed ahead of Amobi Okoye as the starting defensive tackle.
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