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Former Patriots linebacker Michael Pinckney signs with Bears

Michael Pinckney, a member of the New England Patriots’ practice squad last season, has found a new home in the NFL. The Chicago Bears have signed the young linebacker to a one-year contract on Thursday.

Pinckney originally arrived in New England last October by signing a practice squad deal with the club. However, he was later suspended by the league for unknowingly taking a banned substance during his recovery from offseason surgery to repair a torn hip labrum.

As a result of the suspension the then-rookie missed the final six weeks of the regular season.