CHICAGO (MCT) - The day after the Bears severed ties with Cedric Benson, Benson's lawyer maintained a videotape would prove his client's innocence, the Bears no doubt continued to prepare for the Matt Forte Era and free-agent running back Kevin Jones continued to wait for a call. | NFL page

Jones, the former first-round pick of the Detroit Lions, hopes to hear from the Bears, according to a source close to the player.

Jones' agent, Blake Baratz, did not return a message Tuesday. His client has worked out for New England and Tennessee this off-season without striking a deal. Jones, released by the Lions in March, will hold a personal workout for scouts June 28 in Saline, Mich., to prove he is fully recovered from a torn ACL in his right knee, suffered in last season's home finale against the Chiefs.

He is considered a high-character guy.

Here's how one NFL executive sizes up four available running backs:

Shaun Alexander

Age: 30.

Height/weight: 5-11, 228.

Years in the league: 8.

Former team: Seattle.

Salary: Was scheduled to make $4.475 million in 2008.

Notable numbers: The three-time Pro Bowler rushed for 1,880 yards (5.1 yards per carry) and 27 TDs in 2005.

Injury concern: Passed a team physical this off-season but was recovering from surgery to repair crack in left wrist before he was released. Broke left foot in 2006; also sprained left knee in 2007.

Executive's view: "He's not very tough, can't block and is not a good receiver out of the backfield. I don't see a bunch of positives."

Kevin Jones

Age: 25.

Height/weight: 5-11, 228.

Years in the league: 4.

Former team: Detroit.

Salary: Was scheduled to make $2.37 million.

Notable numbers: Rushed for 1,133 yards and five touchdowns during rookie season (2004), averaging 4.1 yards per carry.

Injury concern: Aside from torn ACL, he had a Lisfranc injury to left foot at the end of the 2006 season.

Executive's view: "He's not a very physical guy, either, plus he's coming off an injury. He has some speed and quickness."

LaMont Jordan

Age: 29.

Height/weight: 5-10, 230.

Years in the league: 7.

Team: Under contract with Oakland.

Salary: Scheduled to make $4.7 million.

Notable numbers: Gained 1,025 yards in 2005-first season with the Raiders after four seasons with the Jets.

Injury concern: Top NFL rusher through three games in 2007 before injuring back.

Executive's view: "More talented, more physical guy, but he has off-the-field issues, too. He's not a hard worker, either-some of the same qualities as Cedric Benson."

Travis Henry

Age: 29.

Height/weight: 5-9, 230.

Years in the league: 7.

Former teams: Denver, Tennessee, Buffalo.

2007 salary: Was scheduled to make $1 million.

Notable numbers: In 2002, led Bills with 1,438 rushing yards, 13 TDs. Suspended 4 games in '05 for violating NFL substance-abuse policy.

Injury concern: Cut by the Broncos on June 2, missed some off-season workouts with a hamstring injury.

Executive's view: "There's no reason for the Bears to go after (him) with all his character issues.

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