Bears Sign Kicker Mike Nugent, Place Cairo Santos On IR

By Chris Emma--

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) -- The Bears have moved on to another kicker, signing Mike Nugent to the roster on Monday evening. Cairo Santos was placed on injured reserve after re-aggravating his groin injury prior to a loss to the 49ers on Sunday.

Nugent, 35, has hit 243 of his 301 career field-goal attempts and boasts a career-long of 55 yards. He played four games with the Cowboys this season when their kicker, Dan Bailey, suffered an injury. Nugent went 7-of-9 on his field goals in Dallas.

Nugent had previously played the last seven seasons with the Bengals. His first game in a Chicago uniform will be at Cincinnati on Sunday.

Santos was signed by the Bears two weeks ago to replace Connor Barth, who struggled during his time in Chicago. Santos was waived by the Chiefs in late September with an injury designation and remained available for the Bears.

The Bears have been searching for answers at kicker after releasing Robbie Gould, their all-time leading scorer, in September 2016. Gould has made 36 of 38 field goals since being let go by the Bears, including five in San Francisco's 15-14 win at Chicago on Sunday.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.