Harris Essentially Benched for Bengals
by John M. Crist of BearReport.com, October 26, 2009 at 7:58pm ET
Tommie Harris Profile
Defensive tackle Tommie Harris didn't practice all last week and was listed on the injury report as having a knee problem, but after reading between the lines of Lovie Smith's comments Monday at Halas Hall, the former first-round pick was a DNPCD (did not play, coach's decision) for the Bengals game.
Sounds inconceivable for a player once considered arguably the best in the NFL at his position not too long ago, but the three-time Pro Bowler hasn't played like one in quite some time.
"There isn't anything wrong with Tommie," Smith said. "It was more a coach's decision as much as anything. I thought we had better options."
Harris has only seven tackles in six games this season – his replacement, Marcus Harrison, had seven tackles against Cincinnati alone – and is yet to record a sack, despite the arrival of highly-regarded defensive line coach Rod Marinelli.
"Could Tommie have played if I wanted him to? Yes," said Smith, hinting that he isn't happy with the $40 million man's practice habits. "But I thought we could get a better Tommie if we let him rest this past week and get ready for this week."
Without Harris, the Bears surrendered 448 yards of offense in an embarrassing 45-10 defeat Sunday at the hands of the Bengals. The three-technique tackle position is considered the most important cog in the Cover-2 scheme's wheel, which explains why Chicago's descent to mediocrity on that side of the football coincides with Harris' lack of production. Harris was suspended for one game last season for not taking his treatment sessions seriously, and with a $2.5 million roster bonus due to come his way in March, it's not unreasonable to wonder if the former Defensive Player of the Year candidate could be wearing a different uniform in 2010.
Smith went on to say he expects Harris to be active and ready to suit up in Week 8 against the Browns, and he may even practice on a Wednesday for the first time since a devastating knee and hamstring injury ended his 2006 prematurely.
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