Basanez headlines practice squad

There were no real surprises among the seven players, including quarterback Brett Basanez, signed to the practice squad Sunday, with the possible exception of guard Johan Asiata, an undrafted rookie from UNLV. The more logical pick would have been offensive tackle Cody Balogh, who spent all of 2008 on the practice squad. But the Bears have one spot remaining, so he’s still a possibility. The other six who already have a spot, making a minimum of $5,200 a week, are defensive end Ervin Baldwin, a seventh-round pick in 2008 who had 2 sacks in the preseason finale last Thursday; Basanez, defensive end Joe Clermond, who spent the final month of the ’08 season on the Bears’ practice squad; center Donovan Raiola, fullback Will Ta'ufo'ou and cornerback Woodny Turenne. read more