LAKE FOREST, Ill. Bradley Roby Broncos Jersey . -- The Chicago Bears and first-round draft pick Kyle Fuller have agreed to a four-year contract that includes an option for a fifth season. Fuller, a cornerback from Virginia Tech, was taken with the 14th pick last week. With the deal announced Wednesday, the Bears have seven of the eight players they drafted under contract. The exception is defensive tackle Will Sutton, a third-rounder from Arizona. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Fuller started 42 of 50 games at Virginia Tech and had 129 solo tackles along with six interceptions, 21 pass break ups and four forced fumbles in his career. He had 24 tackles, broke up 10 passes and picked off two in nine games last season. The Bears have a pair of two-time Pro Bowl cornerbacks in Tim Jennings and Charles Tillman, but Fuller is expected to play on Chicagos nickel defence and special teams at the start of his pro career. He could eventually wind up replacing the 33-year-old Tillman, whos on a one-year contract. Both starting safety spots are open for the Bears, but general manager Phil Emery made two things clear last week -- Fuller will play cornerback and Tillman isnt moving to safety. Fuller grew up in a family with four Virginia Tech players, including former NFL defensive back Vincent Fuller, who played from 2005-2011 with Tennessee and Detroit. Corey, a wide receiver, was on the Lions practice squad last year. The Bears have been moving quickly to sign their draft picks. They agreed to contracts with safety Brock Vereen and quarterback David Fales on Monday and defensive tackle Ego Ferguson, running back KaDeem Carey, punter Patrick ODonnell and offensive tackle Charles Leno, Jr. on Tuesday. John Elway Grey Jersey . -- The Packers have formally announced the re-signing of backup running back James Starks, keeping their formidable backfield intact. http://www.shopjerseysbroncos.com/Elite-John-Elway-Mens-Jersey-Denver-Broncos-7-Super-Bowl-XLVIII-Fadeaway-Orange-Navy-Nike-NFL-93.html . Barcelona says Pique tore a muscle in his right leg. The Spain international will miss Spanish league games against Almeria and Valladolid, but should be back for the Champions league match against Manchester City on March 12.DENVER -- San Diego Padres right-hander Andrew Cashner was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of soreness in his pitching elbow. Manager Bud Black said before Saturday nights game against the Colorado Rockies that right-handed reliever Donn Roach would step into the rotation to fill Cashners spot on Sunday. "(Cashner) just informed me that he was sore, and as much as he hated to do it, it might be a time for him to take a step back to take two forward," Black said. "And I totally agreed that it was a prudent decision." The Padres also recalled right-handed pitcher Kevin Quackenbush from Triple-A El Paso to fill Cashners roster spot. Cashner last pitched on Tuesday at Cincinnati. He said he felt soreness in his elbow when he threw a side session on Thursday and spoke to Black about the issue on Friday after the team arrived in Denver for a three-game series. "Its one of the toughest decisions Ive had to make," Cashner said. "Ive been doing well. I think its just kind of my elbow has been a little sore and its gotten better annd then it kind of took a step back after Cincinnati. Steve Atwater Orange Jersey. "So, just from a recovery standpoint, I havent recovered as fast. I think its smarter right now to err on the side of caution. I think Ive just got some inflammation in there and hopefully I wont be on the DL longer than 15 days." The Padres return to San Diego on Sunday night and Cashner is scheduled to have an MRI and be examined by team doctors on Monday. Well aware of the recent rash of elbow ligament injuries in baseball, Cashner expressed some concern about the seriousness of his injury but remains optimistic that it nothing beyond some inflammation in the joint. "Its kind of crazy not to think about it because its definitely out there," Cashner said. "But I just think its kind of coincidence. Pitching in the big leagues has gotten tougher. Hitters are better. Guys are throwing harder. Its just a lot more stress youre putting on your arm, but Im not worried about my ligament at all. I dont think its that. But I go for an MRI on Monday and well know more then." ' ' ' |