The Chicago Bears elevated offensive tackle Cory Brandon from the practice squad to the 53-man roster on Monday, in addition to placing defensive tackle Matt Toeaina on the injured reserve.
An undrafted free agent, who came into the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2011, Brandon signed with the Bears in June and spent the entire preseason with the club before it waived him Aug. 31 during the final roster reduction.
The Bears brought back Brandon to the practice squad on Sept. 1, terminated his contract again on Sept. 10, and then signed him back to the practice squad on Oct. 17.
A college standout at Oklahoma, Brandon caught the staff's attention during training camp, and the Bears used him extensively in the preseason because it wanted to take a long look at the 6-7, 324-pound offensive tackle.
Toeaina, meanwhile, played in three games this season, and started in two. But various injuries slowed the veteran all season. Toeaina's latest setback (knee) could require an arthroscopic procedure, according to an NFL source, which said the defensive tackle will undergo an MRI on Tuesday.
Toeaina started in 24 games for the Bears over six seasons, contributing 66 tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery.
