It’s been pretty quiet on the kicker front for the Chicago Bears. After releasing Ramiz Ahmed earlier in training camp, that left Eddy Pineiro as the only kicker left on the roster. Which was anticipated all along.
Interestingly enough, Pineiro has yet to attempt a field goal during practice since the media was allowed to attend Monday, at least. It’s a far cry from last camp, where the kicker battle was front and center between Pineiro and Elliott Fry.
Simply put, Matt Nagy has bigger concerns than kicker.
That hasn’t stopped the Bears from doing some homework on kickers, as this season will be unlike anything with the COVID-19 pandemic. Chicago needs a contingency plan in place should Pineiro not be able to go.
The Bears are hosting kicker Cairo Santos on a visit this weekend.
A couple of notable tryouts/visits this weekend: the Ravens are working out TE Jordan Leggett and the Bears are hosting K Cairo Santos on a visit.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 22, 2020
And in case that name rings a bell, it should. Although you might remember him as “Carlos Santos,” after a blunder by former Bears coach John Fox.
#Bears HC John Fox called Cairo Santos Carlos and referred to his punter as Rob. This guy doesn't know his kicker and his punter.
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) December 3, 2017
Santos was briefly on the Bears during the 2017 season, where he played in just two games. He missed his first field goal attempt with Chicago — a 54-yarder against the Philadelphia Eagles. He finished his stint with the Bears 1-of-2 on field goals and 2-for-2 on extra points.
Santos was placed on injured reserve on Dec. 4 after injuring his groin during pregame warmups in Week 13 against the San Francisco 49ers. Now, he’s back in Chicago for a visit.
