After Chris Conte (concussion) exited early in Sunday's contest, McCray saw the bulk of the snaps at free safety the rest of the way, finishing with four stops. Though Conte is a superior talent at safety, he's been snake-bitten on the injury front this season, battling shoulder issues and his second concussion in less than two months. This setback could force him out of the Week 6 contest against the Falcons and possibly even longer, opening the door for McCray to step into starting role. While he doesn't figure to create many turnovers when he sees the field, McCray has shown an ability to make tackles, despite his somewhat spotty playing time this season. He has 19 tackles over the Bears' first five games.

McCray accrued 10 tackles in Monday's win over the Jets. McCray was on the field for nearly the entirety of the second half, after starter Chris Conte exited in the third quarter with a shoulder injury and didn't return. Ryan Mundy, the team's other starting safety, left early with an injury of his own, and if either he or Conte are unable to suit up in Week 4 against the Packers, McCray would be the top candidate to step into the starting lineup. As his showing Monday would indicate, McCray could pile up tackles with a full load of snaps. McCray hasn't shown much ability in creating turnovers in the past, however, so the odds of him rising to the top tier of IDP safeties would seem remote.

McCray appeared as a reserve in Sunday's season opener against the Bills, recording two tackles in the 23-20 overtime loss. McCray looked to be in line for the start at free safety after his chief competition for the gig, Chris Conte (concussion), was limited to just one game in the preseason, but Conte ended up progressing well enough during the week of practice to get the starting nod. McCray was still rotated into the game fairly regularly in the first half, but didn't see the field after halftime. Unless the athletic Conte proves to be even more of a liability both in coverage and against the run than he was last season, McCray will have to settle for spot duty most weeks.

Bears S Danny McCray worked exclusively with the first-team defense on Wednesday. Rookie Brock Vereen was relegated to the second team after working with the first unit throughout the entire offseason program. McCray has primarily been a special teamer in his four-year career, but did start 10 games for the Cowboys in 2012. This change is likely temporary. Vereen is simply a superior player, and it would be surprising if he does not start opposite Ryan Mundy Week 1. McCray will compete for Chris Conte (shoulder) and Adrian Wilson for the No. 3 safety job.

Bears agreed to terms with S Danny McCray, formerly of the Cowboys, on a one-year contract. A special teamer, McCray has spent his entire four-year career with the Cowboys. He managed just nine snaps for Dallas' dreadful defense last season.

Cowboys S Danny McCray has agreed to slash his salary from $1.323 million to $630,000. The move saves his roster spot. McCray started 10 games a season ago, but will back up Barry Church at free safety.

Cowboys re-signed restricted free agent S Danny McCray to a one-year, $1.323 million contract. McCray, 25, made 10 starts last season, recording 71 tackles and one pick. While the starting experience helps McCray's value, the Cowboys view him as a special teamer and third safety. 18 of McCray's tackles came on special teams.

Cowboys tendered restricted free agent S Danny McCray at the original-round level. The tender will pay McCray $1.323 million in 2013. McCray started ten games in 2012 and recorded 71 tackles and an interception. He's been the Cowboys' top special teams player for the last couple of seasons, and he'll go back to that role this upcoming season.

The Dallas Morning News expects the Cowboys to tender restricted free agent S Danny McCray a contract. A special teams dynamo, injuries forced McCray into the starting lineup last season, where he struggled. Perhaps the Cowboys view the experience as a plus, regardless of McCray's effectiveness. Only 25 (in March), McCray will come cheap for a team that needs cheap players.