Bears add familiar face

The Bears re-signed veteran linebacker Darrell McClover on Tuesday to add depth to a linebacker corps beset by injuries.

McClover, 28, appeared in 22 games with the Bears from 2006 to 2008. He made 36 tackles on special teams and blocked two punts in his first stint with the team. In his NFL career, he has 61 special-teams tackles in 38 games.

The Bears released rookie cornerback DeAngelo Smith to clear space for McClover. Smith was inactive for two games after the Bears claimed him off of waivers from the Cleveland Browns.

Bears coach Lovie Smith acknowledged earlier this week that the team might need more depth at linebacker. Hunter Hillenmeyer left Sunday's game at Seattle with a rib injury, and it is unclear when Pisa Tinoisamoa will be able to return from a knee injury that he suffered in Week 1.

If Hillenmeyer and Tinoisamoa are unable to play Sunday against Detroit, Nick Roach and Jamar Williams likely will start along with Pro Bowl veteran Lance Briggs at linebacker. The team's other Pro Bowl linebacker, Brian Urlacher, is out for the season with a dislocated wrist.

-Tom Musick