Kevin

Payne

Payne, a fifth-round pick from Louisiana-Monroe, started the game with Danieal Manning moving to cornerback. The Bears will now likely consider signing rookie Josh Gattis from the practice squad to add depth.

Another blow for a secondary that had already lost its four starters.

The decision is unrelated to loss of Charles Tillman, with the Bears simply saying they want their best four DBs on the field. Clearly, they don’t think Craig Steltz is one of them. Kevin Payne will start at strong safety, with Steltz putting pressure on him. Payne is very unlikely to lose his job.

He recovered ahead of schedule. Payne is entering his second year as a starter and emerging as a serious IDP contributor. He finished second among Bears DBs in tackles (88) and led them in picks (4) last season.

Payne has battled injuries throughout his career and needs to prove he can stay on the field. Veteran Josh Bullocks and a couple others are also in the mix, but assuming Payne wins the strong safety job he’s a nice IDP play.

Strong safety Kevin Payne and cornerback Trumaine McBride are also recovering from shoulder surgeries, with Payne expected to be ready for OTAs in May.

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.