Chicago Bears choose Fales over Clausen

The Chicago Bears chose practice-squad quarterback David Fales over No. 2 quarterback Jimmy Clausen.

The 24-year-old Fales was promoted to the 53-man roster Monday because of concerns that other teams had interest in signing him to their active rosters.

To make room, the Bears waived the 27-year-old Clausen, who played in two games earlier this season, starting one, when Jay Cutler was out with a hamstring injury.

“We know (there was) some interest in David,” coach John Fox said. “It was a decision that we made organizationally to give him a look.”

The 6-foot-1, 228-pound Fales, a sixth-round draft pick out of San Jose in 2014, spent most of this season on the practice squad. He was active for three games but did not play, then was waived but re-signed to the practice squad.

“A big part of our roster (is) we're looking at young guys,” Fox said. “We'll look for a practice-squad guy to bring in as we move forward.”

Clausen had a 58.8 passer rating this season, completing 23 of 40 passes for 184 yards, no touchdowns and 1 interception.

He had the misfortune of relieving Cutler against the Arizona Cardinals and starting against Seattle, two of the NFL's best defenses. Last season Clausen played in four games with one start and had a 71.8 passer rating.

The Bears also terminated the practice-squad contract of cornerback Terrance Mitchell.

Practicing hard:

Safety Antrel Rolle was limited in practice last week with an ankle injury, and he was categorized as “probable” in Friday's official injury report.

But on Saturday Rolle was downgraded to “questionable” and his injury was “ankle/knee.” The 11-year veteran suffered the knee injury in Saturday's practice.

All three of wide receiver Alshon Jeffery's injuries (calf, hamstring and groin) also occurred at various practices. So did the neck injury that sidelined center Hroniss Grasu for three games.

Are the Bears practicing too hard?

“Football's a rough game, whether you practice it or play it,” coach John Fox said. “Like everything, especially at the professional level, I think if you practice it kind of helps, regardless of what sport you're talking about.

“I don't know too many coaches that feel like they don't have to practice.”

Pressed on the issue, Fox said: “Understanding sport, I don't how many golfers go out and work on their half-swings or in tennis they work half-speed to practice tennis. I just think it's a professional sport, and you have to practice it to get better at it or stay finely tuned.”

Just kickin' it:

Robbie Gould was successful on all 3 field-goal attempts, one from 46 yards and two from 37.

It was the second straight game he went 3-for-3 and the sixth game this season he was perfect with at least 3 attempts, a franchise record.

The NFL record is 8 by Al Del Greco in 1998 with the Tennessee Oilers.

Gould is 23 of 26 (88.5 percent) this season. He is on pace for 37 field goals, which would break his own team record of 32.

Century mark:

Marquess Wilson's 4 receptions produced a career-high 102 receiving yards, and he became the fourth Bear this season with a 100-yard receiving game. Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery has had three 100-yard games, and tight end Zach Miller and running back Jeremy Langford each have 1.

Hitting pay dirt:

Running back Jeremy Langford's 2-yard touchdown run was his third straight game with a rushing score. Langford is the first Bears running back with a rushing TD in three straight games in the same season since Marion Barber in 2011 (Games 6-8).

Keeping it clean:

For the first time since Dec. 24, 1995, against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Bears on Sunday played an entire game without a penalty. The Denver Broncos were penalized eight times for 118 yards.

Simulated injury report:

The Bears did not practice Monday, but because they play Thursday they were required to issue a simulated injury report of how much players would have participated if they had a practice.

Tight end Martellus Bennett (ribs), wide receiver Eddie Royal (knee), running back Ka'Deem Carey (concussion) and safeties Antrel Rolle (knee) and Sherrod Martin (neck) were categorized as “did not practice.”

Six players were “limited,” including running back Matt Forte (knee), wide receivers Alshon Jeffery (groin) and Marquess Wilson (groin), linebacker Pernell McPhee (knee), defensive lineman Jarvis Jenkins (chest) and linebacker LaRoy Reynolds (knee).