Chicago Bears sign Kelvin Sheppard, waive Hendrick Ekpe

The Chicago Bears made a minor roster move today by signing inside linebacker Kelvin Sheppard, and waiving linebacker Hendrick Ekpe, who was an undrafted free agent.

Sheppard has played six years in the NFL after being a third round draft pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2011. After two years with the Bills, he moved on to the Indianapolis Colts for a season, then the Miami Dolphins in 2014 and 2015, then last year he was with the New York Giants.

His best season as a pro was 2015, when he racked up 105 tackles. In his career, he has appeared in 93 games, while making 53 starts, plus he has extensive experience as a special teamer. Last year he played in 40.8% of New York’s defensive snaps, and 34.3% of their snaps on special teams. The former LSU Tiger is 6’2’, 249 pounds, and has the pedigree to back up at inside linebacker for the Bears.

I’m curious if this addition is more insurance in case Danny Trevathan can’t go week one?