Oct. 20--After helping to create a key takeaway on special teams during Sunday's 37-34 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears cornerback Demontre Hurst was waived Monday. Hurst, who was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster in Week 5, remains a candidate to be added back to the team's practice squad if he clears waivers.
In the fourth quarter Sunday, Hurst was on his toes in punt coverage during an odd sequence that helped the Bears force a turnover. A 40-yard Pat O'Donnell punt took a sideways bounce from near the left sideline back toward the middle of the field. Hurst, while engaged with Lions receiver Corey Fuller, saw the bouncing ball in his peripheral vision and managed to steer Fuller toward it.
The ball nicked Fuller's leg and was pounced on by Bears safety Chris Prosinski for a fumble recovery.
"I saw an opportunity," Hurst said after the game. "I saw the ball bouncing around and Fuller had no clue where it was going. He was just blocking me and so it just clicked for me to push him toward the ball. That ended up being a big play for us."
The Bears turned that takeaway into a 21-yard touchdown drive that pulled them within 24-23.
"It's plays like that that can really turn a game," Hurst said. "So to be able to contribute on special teams was big. When we deliver on special teams, it's a big step for us."
Hurst had seen special teams action in each of the past two games, logging 46 snaps in all.
In a corresponding move, the Bears promoted defensive back Bryce Callahan from the practice squad.
dwiederer@tribpub.com
