In mini camp Ricky Manning Jr practiced with the second team defense, but only because Charles Tillman was not present.  Otherwise he'd be with the third team.

As the article points out the Bears do have some history with demoting somebody to try to motivate them into working harder and playing better, but the writing has been on the wall for awhile now.  Manning Jr, is a good, but not great corner and he could start on some teams.  Perhaps the Bears dangle him for a late draft pick next year.

Manning is taking it in stride.

'I wouldn't say frustrated,'' Ricky Manning said of his situation. ''I'm a little disappointed. I believe in myself, of course.

''I didn't have the greatest season last year, but I have had plenty of other good seasons. I'm just disappointed that they may have given up on me a little bit. Maybe that's not the case, but it looks like it right now.

''I'm disappointed in that, but I'm having fun out here, I'm working hard, I've got my son and another boy on the way in October, my wife, Tosha -- everything is great. Life is good.''