Adam

Podlesh

The injury is to Podlesh’s plant leg, but has him iffy for Week 1. Podlesh’s net punting average of 40.4 yards was sixth in the NFL in 2011. The Bears will go with undrafted rookie Ryan Quigley or a veteran free agent if Podlesh isn’t ready for the regular season.

Concerns over Podlesh’s left injury have been squashed. The Bears released insurance policy Ryan Quigley Monday.

Podlesh signed a five-year, $10 million contract in 2011 but got off to a slow start after suffering a hip flexor injury last season. Way has a bigger leg than Podlesh, and if he can improve with his consistency he’ll provide the Bears with a cheaper, younger option. The battle for the job will likely continue into preseason.

Podlesh inked a five-year, $10 million deal in July 2011. The move saves the Bears $1.025 million against the cap. Podlesh finished 29th in the league with his 37.9 net average in 2013.

Podlesh finished 29th in the league with his 37.9 net average last season and isn’t going to a friendlier place to kick footballs. He’ll compete with Brad Wing and potentially a rookie for punting duties in Pittsburgh.

Podlesh sat out the past two seasons after he had to leave the Steelers ahead of the 2014 campaign for family reasons. His wife and baby suffered “catastrophic” complications during delivery when Podlesh’s wife’s blood pressure plummeted. Both survived, and Podlesh had to take care of both after the birth. Now that they’re healthy, Podlesh, 32, wants another crack.

The team signed punter Eric Wilbur in his place to push fourth-round draft pick Adam Podlesh for the job.

The fourth-round pick out of Maryland was the highest punter selected in April’s draft. Podlesh will be a weapon on fakes, as he’s an excellent athlete with 4.4 speed. He’ll be the Jaguars’ starting punter right away.

The sides would have agreed to a deal earlier in the offseason had it not been for the so-called “30 percent” rule. Podlesh’s 39.2 net average last season was the highest in Jacksonville franchise history.

Podlesh suffered a knee injury during Sunday’s loss to the Vikings, so he’ll be replaced by young journeyman Steve Weatherford.