Al

Afalava

Primarily a special teamer, Afalava played 36 snaps on defense Sunday. He’ll be a candidate for injured reserve if he ends up healing behind schedule.

Major Wright, Craig Steltz, and Al Afalava are working as backups. Strong safety -- Harris’ usual position -- provides the best opportunity for tackles, so Manning may emerge as the premier DB in IDP leagues. If Wright takes over as the starter at free safety, though, Harris will likely move back to SS.

The Titans’ roster is now down to 65 players on the road to 53.

Afalava (5'11/213) was a three-year starter at Oregon State, offering good size and instincts but struggling in coverage. He’s likely slated for special teams duty if he makes the final roster.

Steltz was talked up all offseason as the man that will replace Mike Brown. But Danieal Manning and Josh Bullocks were listed ahead of Steltz Tuesday. It may turn out that Kevin Payne slides over to free safety and Al Afalava moves to strong safety. Either way, Payne is the best IDP bet among them all.

It doesn’t say much for Craig Steltz. Afalava was effective against the run in Chicago’s preseason opener, sniffing out plays and recording six tackles. If he wins the strong-side job, Kevin Payne will start on the free side.

The Bears wanted Manning to start at free safety this season, but now it’s going to be hard for him to pick up the position if he’s not practicing. It looks as if Kevin Payne will start at free safety and Al Afalava will be at strong safety tonight against Buffalo.

“We have enough room still for a good player like Danieal. We’ll find a spot for him,” said Smith. This means that Al Afalava and Kevin Payne could be in competition to be the Bears starting strong safety.

It may have only been because Danieal Manning missed most of August. Manning wound up with the most production anyway, notching six solo stops and a sack. He’ll probably either resume nickel back duties or start at free safety in Week 2. Chicago has to get oft-burned RCB Nate Vasher off the field.

Al Afalava is now expected to start the Bears’ preseason opener Saturday against the Bills. Manning isn’t expected to miss significant time, though.