Bears Waive Backup QB Jimmy Clausen, Promote David Fales To Active Roster
By Chris Emma--
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) -- The Bears have waived backup quarterback Jimmy Clausen and promoted quarterback David Fales from the practice squad to the active roster.
Multiple teams expressed interest in signing Fales from the Bears' practice squad, according to a source, forcing Chicago to waive Clausen and bring Fales up to the active roster. On Dec. 13 of last season, the Bears signed Fales to the active roster after the Patriots reportedly had inquired about his services.
"There was other interest in David," Bears coach John Fox confirmed Monday.
Clausen played poorly in the game-and-a-half that he replaced an injured Jay Cutler in earlier this season, registering a 58.8 quarterback rating while going 23-of-40 for 184 yards, zero touchdowns and one interception.
In his one start this season, a 26-0 loss in Seattle, Clausen went 9-for-17 for just 63 yards, with the offense taking very few shots.
"It's frustrating for any quarterback," Clausen said days later. "Quarterbacks want to throw the ball downfield. But that's not our job to make the game plan. It's the coaches' job, and it's our job to go out and execute it."
Clausen's other start came in Week 16 of 2014, when Marc Trestman elected to bench Jay Cutler and start the backup. Clausen was diagnosed with a concussion after the game and Cutler returned to his role in the season finale.
Fales, 25, was selected by Chicago in the sixth round of the 2014 draft. He has yet to throw a pass in a regular-season NFL game.
The Bears made one other roster move on Monday, terminating the contract of cornerback Terrance Mitchell. Last week, Chicago waived Mitchell, then signed him back to the practice squad after he cleared waivers.
Chicago is working in a short week, preparing for the Packers just four days after their loss on Sunday to the Broncos.
