The Bears signed defensive tackle Daniel McCullers from the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad on Wednesday after learning that defensive lineman John Jenkins had to be placed on the Injured Reserve list with a ligament tear on his thumb.

McCullers is a 28 year old sixth-round draft pick from the 2014 NFL Draft. He’s a massive man at 6’7″ and 350 pounds.

For the past six seasons he been a backup on the Steeler D-line having started just three games in 73 total appearances. The stat line reads: 41 career tackles, four tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.

Various Steelers’ blogs note that the big lineman’s play improved under DL coach Karl Dunbar who arrived to the team in McCuller’s fifth season. But the play of rookie Carlos Davis in training camp and the trade for Chris Wormley made McCullers expendable. When he was cut, he passed through waivers and the Steelers stashed him in their practice squad.

In 2019, McCullers saw a lot of preseason reps on he team’s nickel defense and was reportedly playing very well. His teammates were among those sharing plaudits.

Big Dan, he’s a phenomenal football player. He’s a big guy, too. He can do some things naturally that a lot of other people can’t do out here. For him to have this opportunity to showcase his skills more is a tremendous opportunity for him.

Stephon Tuitt, Steelers defensive lineman

McCullers said he got the opportunity because, “I get a good push — that’s what they like the most, getting that push up the middle and making that quarterback move off his spot.”

Unfortunately, the man called “Shade Tree,” couldn’t win the starting job.

For the Bears he’s a badly needed bandage for a position group bleeding because of the departure of Eddie Goldman. The always under appreciated nose tackle was forced to opt out of the season due to health concerns tied to Covid-19.

The hope is that McCullers can push the pocket, help the run defense and assist Danny Trevathan by keeping blockers off him. Goldman’s absence has affected the linebacker more than any other player on the Bears defense.

Perhaps Bears defensive line coach Jay Rodgers can do the same thing Juan Castillo has done with the offensive line. In fact, Rodgers, who was named Defensive Line Coach of the Year at the 2019 NFL Combine, has his own successes here in Chicago. He’s in his sixth year of coaching the unit and Akiem Hicks is among the players who credit Rodgers for his ascension.

The Bears may not be done adding to the position as veteran Damon “Snacks” Harrison may be talking to the Bears.