Brian

Iwuh

Undrafted out of Colorado, Iwuh was a special teams ace with Jack Del Rio’s Jaguars teams from 2006-2009 before spending the majority of the past two years with the Bears. Denver picked him up to pinch in on kick-return coverage for the playoffs.

The special teams ace injured his hamstring against the Raiders last week. He’ll likely receive an injury settlement from the Bears.

With FB Spencer Larsen (knee) likely to sit out, the Broncos preferred Iwuh’s special teams experience for the playoff opener versus the Steelers.

It’s unclear if Urlacher, who unexpectedly lost his mother Monday, will be available. Roach, the Bears’ starting strong-side linebacker, has a little experience playing in the middle from 2009 and would get an IDP boost. Brian Iwuh is a likely candidate to step in on the strong side.

The ex-Jaguar is trying to earn a job as a backup linebacker and special teamer. Chicago seems like an odd spot considering how deep the Bears are at linebacker with Brian Urlacher and Pisa Tinoisamoa now healthy.

Iwuh was one of the most productive special teamers in Jaguars history, but adds little as a linebacker. Chicago has to waive someone to make room on the 80-man roster. Undrafted LB Matt Mayberry’s days may be numbered.

He should be able to fill the old role the Bears have been trying to replace since Brendon Ayanbadejo left in 2008. Iwuh won’t help out on defense.

Iwuh appeared in 15 games last season, making two starts and 29 tackles, not including seven special teams stops after signing a three-year, $3.5 million extension. The 6'0/235-pounder should resurface as a backup.

A reserve linebacker and special teamer, Iwuh was just released by the Jaguars earlier in the week.

The Bears opted not to tender Iwuh at roughly $1.2 million in March, so it’s a good bet that he’s signing for slightly less. The 27-year-old is a core special teamer and solid reserve for the Bears.