The Sports Xchange

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Chicago Bears head coach John Fox refused to shed further light on the situation that led to the departure of defensive lineman Jeremiah Ratliff. Ratliff and general manager Ryan Pace were spotted by numerous media members holding a heated discussion near the media parking lot before he left the premises. Several members of team security were monitoring the conversation. Lake Forest police were also summoned to Halas Hall. Ratliff had left the Dallas Cowboys following a dispute, as well.

“Every situation is individually different. Like all our personnel decisions, regardless of who or whose name’s on it, it’s what we feel is best for the football team and his was no different,” Fox said.

Asked why extra security and police were necessary, Fox said, “Sometimes if you think you need that, that’s what you do for the safety of your building.”

Fox expressed disappointment with Ratliff, who had been called the team’s best lineman in preseason by defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

“Anybody that doesn’t really meet our expectations and we think will help us moving forward I think we’re disappointed in, really, anybody that we have to release and move on from,” Fox said.

–Second-year tackle Charles Leno Jr. has at least given the Bears cause to consider keeping him at the position after he allowed one sack in three games replacing injured Jermon Bushrod.

“I mean, I can’t say enough about the job Leno has done,” right tackle Kyle Long said. “He’s a young guy. He’s had to play against some really good players.”

One was Ziggy Ansah with the Lions.

“Ziggy Ansah is pretty darn good,” Long said. “He held his own. They had one sack and Jay (Cutler) was out by the sticks running.”

Notes: Safety Antrel Rolle (ankle) returned to the practice field Monday after missing two starts and part of another game. Whether he’s available against San Diego will be known later in the week. … Linebacker Shea McClellin (knee) was not at Monday’s practice. His status will be updated later in the week. He missed the Detroit game.