[bears9]

Bears cornerback Ricky Manning Jr. worked with the second team in practice Wednesday -- but only because starter Charles Tillman was absent.

Otherwise, the veteran Manning finds himself on the third team these days, looking as if he's a long way from making the 53-man roster.

''You've got to ask [the coaches] that,'' Manning said when asked about his steady decline that first became apparent last season when seventh-round pick Trumaine McBride was chosen to start in place of injured Nathan Vasher.

Manning remained the nickel cornerback and played in all 16 games, finishing 10th on the team in tackles despite his limited role. He's not even in the sub package now, as oft-switched Danieal Manning is lining up as the starting nickel back.

R. Manning might be sliding out of team's plans :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Bears