Steltz (groin) was released by the Bears on Monday, ESPNChicago.com reports.

A highly-regarded special teams player over the past six seasons with the Bears, Steltz's slow return from offseason groin surgery probably contributed more than anything to his release. He's now presumably healthy after returning to action for last Friday's exhibition, which could allow him to garner interest elsewhere given his extensive experience.

ESPN Bears reporter Michael C. Wright said S Craig Steltz "will likely" make the Bears' final roster.

Steltz' job appeared to be in jeopardy when the Bears brought in Adrian Wilson at the end of June. A five-time Pro Bowler, Wilson has the most talent of the Bears' safety group, but he is also almost 35 and coming off an explosion-sapping Achilles injury. A solid camp could see Wilson replacing Steltz on the roster, but for now it appears Steltz is safe.

Bears re-signed S Craig Steltz to a one-year contract.

The Bears are stockpiling bodies at safety. Steltz appeared in all 16 games last season, but played just 123 snaps on defense, struggling mightily. Although he's been with the team since 2008, Steltz won't be guaranteed a spot on the 53-man roster.

Bears S Craig Steltz underwent surgery on December 15 to repair a torn right pectoral tendon.

Steltz has shed his arm sling and is expected to be fully recovered for the Bears' offseason program. The 26-year-old will likely return as a backup safety and special teamer for 2013.

Bears placed S Craig Steltz (pectoral) and CB Sherrick McManis (knee) on season-ending injured reserve.

Steltz suffered a right pectoral injury tackling Christian Ballard on a rare defensive lineman kickoff return. Steltz was a backup safety and the team's seventh defensive back while McManis was purely a special teamer. Both players are under contract at a cheap rate for the 2013 season.

Bears re-signed S Craig Steltz to a two-year contract.

The five-year veteran graded out above average across the board last season, according to Pro Football Focus. Although Major Wright and Chris Conte will remain the starters, Steltz is a valuable insurance policy and special teamer.

The Bears are planning on starting Craig Steltz at strong safety opposite free safety Brandon Meriweather this week.

Starting strong safety Chris Harris is a game-time decision with a hamstring injury while starting free safety Major Wright is expected to miss the game with a head/neck injury. Aaron Rodgers will likely be passing against backups at both spots this week.

Bears fourth-year safety Craig Steltz will have an expanded role with S Major Wright (hamstring) sidelined.

Steltz was the starter for the team's first exhibition game, but suffered a high-ankle sprain and did not play again during the preseason. Said Steltz, "After being out a while, it's nice to get back out there and get reps and read your keys and get back into the swing of things."

Bears S Craig Steltz suffered an ankle injury in the team's preseason opener, and is considered "week to week."

Steltz was making a run for significant playing time prior to the injury, but it sounds like he may not play for the rest of the preseason. The Bears' top three safeties currently are Chris Harris, Major Wright, and Danieal Manning.

Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune is hearing that the Bears want to see Craig Steltz at free safety.

Starting Steltz at free safety this season could be a recipe for disaster. He's an intimidating hitter, but is often exposed in coverage and doesn't have much agility or speed. The Bears should continue to look to bring in safety help from the outside, possibly in the third round of this week's draft.