Oct. 27--As a defensive lineman growing up in Washington, D.C., Eddie Goldman admired Jeremiah Ratliff. A talented prospect with a deep respect for great linemen past and present, Goldman strove to emulate Ratliff's quickness and grit as his career ascended. He even wore No. 90 at Florida State, an homage to the four-time Pro Bowler.
So there was a tinge of awkwardness Monday as Goldman surveyed a future without Ratliff as a teammate after the disturbing circumstances that resulted in Ratliff's release last week.
"When I first got here, he kind of took me under his wing, taught me more about formations and tendencies and certain teams," Goldman said. "Just teaching me the things I didn't know about football on the pro level. Him being gone, it's not good, but it happens."
On one hand, yes, players move on all the time in the NFL. On the other, though, the Bears parted with Ratliff after what sources described as multiple verbal, hostile altercations with team officials, including general manager Ryan Pace. The clash was serious enough for Lake Forest police to patrol the front of team headquarters as a precaution afterward.
As the Bears were forced to process the differences between Ratliff's positive contributions and the volatile man who left a most unsavory final impression, Goldman chose to publicly remember the former.
He recalled a piece of advice Ratliff gave him after the Bears drafted him in the second round in May.
"Just find out what you're good at and realize what type of player you are, and work on being that," he said.
Goldman will certainly have that chance. He's expected to return to the first string, where he helped filled Ratliff's spot while Ratliff was suspended for the first three games of the season and inactive for the fourth.
Health report: Veteran safety Antrel Rolle was present for the start of Monday's practice but was not seen with the team afterward. He suffered a right ankle injury on Oct. 4 during the Bears' victory over the Raiders. Rookie Harold Jones-Quartey started the last two games in his place.
Inside linebacker Shea McClellin (left knee) did not attend the portion of practice open to media. Nor did left guard Matt Slauson.
"He's really nicked up right now," offensive line coach Dave Magazu said of Slauson on Wednesday. "Like I told him, 'I personally don't care if you go to the Bahamas for 10 days. You don't need to do a lot right now.' Get his body back so he's feeling good."
The Bears will next practice Wednesday, after which they'll release an injury report.
rcampbell@tribpub.com
