DeMario

Pressley

With Henry Melton, Matt Toeaina and Stephen Paea as the only experienced defensive tackles on the roster, the Bears have been looking for help on the interior. McCargo and Pressley were released by the Bucs and Panthers respectively after playing bit parts in 2011. Neither is a sure bet to make the final 53-man roster.

Pressley was signed off the practice squad as an injury fill-in in late December. With three defensive tackles coming back healthy this offseason, the 26-year-old was no longer needed.

Pressley will add depth up front with starter Andre Neblett nursing a concussion. Ogembi Nwagbuo will move into the starting lineup for the Saints game.

Sidelined by a foot/ankle injury, Pressley was battling Nate Collins, John McCargo, and Jordan Miller for one roster spot following the Brian Price trade.

The latest in a deep reservoir of talented NC State defensive line alums, Pressley is being tried as a three technique by the Saints. He had only 1.5 sacks and eight QB pressures as a senior. Pressley looks to be in direct competition with veteran Antwan Lake to be New Orleans’ fifth interior tackle.

Pressley was already in a fight for a roster spot and wasn’t being counted on for a major role. The fifth-round pick will get another chance in 2009.

Kendrick Clancy was placed on injured reserve Saturday, ending his season. Pressley was a fifth-round pick in 2008 will be getting his first big chance after breaking his foot in his rookie training camp.

A fifth-round pick by the Saints in 2008, Pressley saw regular playing time down the stretch in 2009 only to be released prior to this season.

Pressley is a low-end three-technique prospect for 4-3 teams, so he never had a shot to stick when Houston switched to a 3-4. The 25-year-old may draw a bit of interest on waivers from teams desperate for an interior pass rusher.

Pressley played a key reserve role for the Saints in the second half of the 2009 season, but he failed to suit up for a single game in 2010. As a three-technique tackle, Pressley is a better fit in the Colts’ 4-3 scheme. He’s no lock to make the roster in 2011.