PRO FOOTBALL
CHICAGO | During the Great Depression, men stood in endless lines for days, hoping to be called for even the most menial jobs.
The NFL offers quick fortune, but low draft picks, free agents and walk-ons must scrap for every crumb they can get.
Such was the case in the Bears' 19-9 loss to Cleveland on Thursday night as unproven players fought for roster spots.
"It's their last chance," Bears coach Lovie Smith said of those on the bubble. "We have an idea. Right now, we could probably put together a 53-man roster. But you want to give guys every opportunity to prove what they can do.
"So for some, this game is big."
Rosters must be trimmed to a maximum 53 by Saturday, with eight-man practice squads designated by Sunday.
Topping the Bears' list of "high interest" prospects prior to Thursday's kickoff were wide receiver Mike Hass from the 2006 practice squad and rookie cornerback Trumaine McBride.
"Trumaine has really stood out. He's been the rave of the camp. And Mike Hass has great hands and runs great routes," Smith said.
McBride was unavailable to media much of the week, having to leave practices quickly to view townhouses near Halas Hall. M-m-m-m.
Hass, meanwhile, looks more like defensive back at 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds.
"Look at Rashied (Davis)," Hass chuckled, pointing to the locker next to his. "He's only 5-2 and 115 pounds. No, no, I'm just kidding.
"I walk into a place and no one knows I'm a receiver, that's for sure. But looks aren't everything. If you run the right routes, do the right things and protect the ball when it comes to you, it's all good."
Hass caught one pass against the Browns -- an athletic 9-yard touchdown toss from rookie Chris Leak in which he outjumped 5-11 Demario Minter in the end zone.
"If (Smith) says great things about me, that certainly gives me confidence," Hass said. "I'm doing everything I can and hopefully that's enough. Being consistent, coming out every day and doing the same things, is what I'm most proud of."
The Bears lost tight end Greg Olsen (knee bruise) and linebackers Rod Wilson (head) and Michael Okwo (shoulder) early to injuries but none were considered serious.
Defensive tackle Tommie Harris made his first preseason appearance and played briefly upon returning from hamstring re-attachment surgery last winter.
"It felt great to be out there with the fellas. It finally feels like I'm back as part of the family," Harris said.
"I thought our preseason was great. We got into a rhythm to start off every game except for this one," Smith said. "There are some things we definitely need to clean up, but we're excited about our progress."
