Tom

Nelson

He’ll take S Colt Anderson’s place on the roster after Philadelphia’s standout special teamer was sent to injured reserve. Nelson saw time in the Bengals secondary last season, but should be limited to special teams in Philly.

Nelson suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Eagles’ second preseason game, and was behind Jaiquawn Jarrett for the backup safety job. The Eagles also waived or released WR Elvis Akpla, DB Wade Bonner, DE Xavier Brown, WR Brian Hernandez, WR McKay Jacobson, WR Tiger Jones, and RG Alfred McCullough.

Nelson, 26, did not play in 2012 after being waived/injured by the Eagles in training camp with a high-ankle sprain. He played in 24 career games with the Bengals and Eagles from 2009-11. Nelson will bring special teams help to the Bears if he makes the team.

The Bengals have significantly improved the depth in their secondary by adding veterans Pacman Jones and Gibril Wilson as well as third-rounder Brandon Ghee. Nelson will have to battle for his roster spot this year.

Nelson, 27, has been out of the league the past two seasons. He has 24 games of experience, and will compete for a spot covering kicks.

Nelson, 28, has appeared in 24 regular-season games as a safety, but is trying to make the switch to offense as a receiver after being out of the league since 2011. He obviously faces extremely long odds of making the team.

Nelson was trying to make the switch to receiver from safety after being out of the league for four years. He caught five passes for 57 yards this preseason.

Chinedum Ndukwe will close out the year as Cincinnati’s starting strong safety, and Hard Knocks hero Tom Nelson will be active on game days. Williams’ forearm injuries have become chronic, costing the once-feared safety nearly all of 2008 and 2009. Williams was on a one-year contract with the Bengals. The club will likely look for a long-term upgrade this offseason.