Chicago Bears work out Javon Ringer, Phillip Tanner
Chicago Bears helmet against the Minnesota Vikings. Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Bears worked out several players last year with Josh Freeman the most notable name of the bunch, and they also worked out former New England Patriots backup tight end Matthew Mulligan as a potential depth guy to add some blocking. But the Bears most important workouts may have been at the running back position, because the Bears know that they need to add significant depth behind star back Matt Forte.
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports that the Bears brought in Javon Ringer and Phillip Tanner in for workouts yesterday, and either of them would be a No. 3 back on the Bears. This is a team that should add a running back in the draft, but they could put themselves ahead of the curve by adding a veteran with Forte and Michael Ford.
Ringer did not play last year after spending the first four seasons of his career with the Tennessee Titans, and the 27-year-old Michigan State product worked out at the school’s pro day in order to prove his health and ability to teams. He’s a No. 3 back at best and not a strong option for the Bears. However, both he and Tanner could be necessary evils for a team that needs some more bodies at the position.
Although Tanner is just 25, he’s been woefully ineffective throughout his first three seasons, and the Dallas Cowboys didn’t even bother trying to keep him. Ringer is the better option, as they could bring him in as an experienced back with young options already easy to find. Tanner seems to have less upside and talent than a rookie back or Ford, so I don’t think it makes much sense to bring him aboard.