Expert: John Miller - 4/29/2008

Question
The question I'm asking below is not about the Bears specifically but about today's American football in general.

The offensive and defensive players, regardless of which string, who play on the special teams, can play regularly in the special teams and not as back ups in the special teams, correct?


Answer
Generally special teams players are drawn from the reserve position players, although being a reserve position player doesn't necessarily mean you will be on special teams. There are also sometimes different alignments for different special teams functions; i.e., the extra point  player line-up is not necessarily the same players as the kickoff coverage unit. Anyone can play anywhere in football as long as only 11 are on the field at the same time, so there aren't any limitations in the rules. Starters normally won't be on the kickoff or punt coverage teams simply to reduce the chance of injury.
If that doesn't answer your question let me know.