Bernard

Berrian

The Trib adds that Oakland anticipates the Bears placing the franchise tag on Berrian. The Bears’ beat writers to this point have said that Berrian is unlikely to be franchised. It’d still be logical for the team to keep its most explosive player not named Devin Hester with the one-year guarantee.

Making it harder to sign Randy Moss. Berrian could be overmatched if expected to be a true “number one” receiver, but he adds production and talent to a woeful passing game. Tarvaris Jackson now has two burners in Berrian and Sidney Rice, with Bobby Wade still likely to be active underneath. Expect Berrian’s numbers to take a slight hit in Minnesota, where Jackson is still a major question mark.

If they don’t step up soon, the Bears are going to lose their best receiver. Berrian wants $24.5 million in the first three years. The Vikings, Bucs, 49ers, Raiders, and Browns are all have the cap room to meet that demand.

The Vikings couldn’t get him signed immediately, not that they’re entirely out of the running. Berrian is the deep threat big-armed JaMarcus Russell needs and Al Davis has tons of cap room, even after the Tommy Kelly signing.

The Bears feel that Bradley hasn’t been on the field enough with Rex Grossman. Berrian is an exciting deep threat who showed some toughness late last season, but he’s a late flier at best in fantasy leagues until the Bears offense improves.

Berrian made one catch for nine yards as a reserve, not a starter like he’d been in camp. Converted DB Rashied Davis led Chicago in receiving with four catches for 91 yards, including a 41-yard TD from Brian Griese.

The injury-plagued deep threat’s injury isn’t thought to be serious.

At this point, it looks like Berrian will be the Week 1 starter opposite Muhsin Muhammad, with Mark Bradley and Rashied Davis rotating in. It’s probably best to avoid the whole situation until someone steps up.

Berrian missed the Bears’ final preseason game, but returned to practice Monday. With WRs Airese Currie (knee) and Justin Gage (ribs) also hurting, the Bears are running out of other options.

It was good for six points. Mark Bradley was inactive.