Israel

Idonije

Idonije has never had a quick first step, but he gets by as an underrated all-around end with a high motor. At 31, though, his career is now on the down slope. The Bears will have to add a pass rusher (Kamerion Wimbley?), so Idonije can play a situational role inside and out.

“I have goals that I have set for myself,” he said. “Without question, Chicago is where I can achieve my goals on the field.” Idonije, 31, finished the 2011 season with five sacks and a career-high 52 tackles, starting all 16 games. The Bears may bring him back for another season or two, but they’re going to have to start thinking about a long-term replacement shortly.

McClellin figures to come off the bench behind Israel Idonije in base formations and then play on passing downs opposite Julius Peppers. In that scenario, Idonije would kick inside to rush the passer. The Bears managed just 33 total sacks last season -- with Peppers accounting for 11 of those.

"(I doubt) I’ll be moving inside much,” Idonije said. “I would love to get inside, on passing downs or situational ... but I’m focused on getting to the quarterback from the outside.” Idonije will have to hold off first-round pick Shea McClellin in camp after tallying a disappointing five sacks last season.

The Bears are serious about making their first-round pick beat out Israel Idonije at left end. Even if McClellin enters Week 1 as a reserve, he’ll see plenty of snaps in nickel situations. He’ll get more reps with the ones in training camp.

Idonije’s injury appeared serious at first as he was down on the field screaming in pain. But he now says he expects to play in the Week 10 showdown with the Texans. “I got rolled up, but I’m OK,” Idonije said. “I’m sore now, but it’ll be all right. I’m fortunate that I can play through pain.” DT Henry Melton (back) also left Sunday’s win, but expects to play against the Texans as well.

Chicago has rotated Julius Peppers, Israel Idonije, Shea McClellin, Henry Melton, and Cory Wootton between DT and DE. “We’ve moved all of our defensive linemen different places, and that could all change next week,” coach Lovie Smith said. “That’s the beauty of having the type of athletic ability we have there.” The Bears currently have four defensive linemen ranked in the top 40 in sacks.

The Bears released DT Andre Fluellen on Monday, but it apparently wasn’t with re-signing Idonije in mind. To date, the 32-year-old D-lineman has visited only the Titans in free agency.

The Bears had a standing offer to Idonije at one point, but he didn’t accept it and they moved forward with Sedrick Ellis. Idonije visited the Titans in late April. Otherwise, his free-agent market has been quite cool.