Bears promote long snapper Scott Daly for opener

The Bears promoted Scott Daly from the practice squad to the active roster, giving them a long snapper for Sunday's season opener against the Titans.

The move had been expected since the Bears signed Daly, the former Lions' snapper, to the practice squad after cut day. Daly takes the place of Patrick Scales, the longtime Bears snapper who is recovering from back surgery. The Downers Grove native and Notre Dame alum has snapped in 42 games; the Bears valued that experience when searching for Scales' replacement.

The Bears also promoted defensive lineman Byron Cowart, who has played in 36 games for the Patriots and Colts. Bears coach Matt Eberflus singled out Cowart's play in the preseason following the last exhibition game. He'll help with depth at tackle after the team ruled out Zacch Pickens on Friday.

Both players will return to the practice squad after the opener, which is at noon Sunday at Soldier Field.