BOURBONNAIS – Geno Hayes fit the profile when the Bears searched the free-agent market for someone who could serve as a reliable insurance policy at linebacker.

Now, the Bears’ foresight is paying off.

Hayes, 25, has stepped into a starting role at strong-side linebacker heading into the Bears’ second preseason game Saturday against the Washington Redskins. He will take on the job formerly filled by Nick Roach, who moved to middle linebacker to replace injured teammate Brian Urlacher for at least a couple of weeks.