CHICAGO -- The Chicago Bears signed defensive back Sherrod Martin and promoted offensive tackle Nick Becton to the active roster and waived punter Spencer Lanning and linebacker John Timu, according to a league source.
Martin, a six-year NFL veteran, provides depth at safety in the wake of Antrel Rolle suffering an ankle injury last Sunday against Oakland. Martin spent the preseason with the Bears.
Becton began the year on the Bears’ practice squad. He previously spent time with New Orleans, San Diego and the New York Giants.
The Bears picked up Lanning last Friday to handle punting duties in Week 4 in place of injured starter Pat O'Donnell, who is expected to return this week from a minor knee sprain.
Timu played almost exclusively special teams the first four weeks of the season.
Meantime, the Bears added center Barrett Jones and defensive tackle Brandon Dunn to the practice squad.
Jones is an intriguing prospect to watch considering starting center Will Montgomery was just placed on injured reserve with a fractured fibula.
A former fourth-round pick of the St. Louis Rams, Jones was a consensus All-American at Alabama where he helped the Crimson Tide win three national championships.
