In the midst of general manager Ryan Poles’ roster teardown that has left the Bears with a dearth of proven players, there was a brief flicker of hope Tuesday when No. 96 was spotted doing calisthenics with teammates on the far practice field behind the Walter Payton Center.
Could it be? Could Poles have thrown Bears fans a bone and re-signed defensive end Akiem Hicks to fortify a no-name defensive line?
Alas, it was not to be. It turned out that No. 96 actually was LaCale London, a second-year defensive end who spent most of last season on injured reserve and the practice squad.