"Faced with an injury-depleted offensive line, the Bears could begin this season the same way it ended 2007. The team has contacted veteran tackle Fred Miller about making a return to the team, according to Miller's agent.

Agent Harold Lewis said Miller, 35, is mulling whether to sign with the Bears, Texans or Ravens. The decision could be finalized in the next day.

"His preference would be to return to the Bears," Lewis said Thursday evening.

Miller was released in February for salary cap reasons. He was heading into the final two years of his five-year, $25.5 million contract. He was due a $500,000 bonus on March 1 and scheduled to make $4 million this season.

The Bears limped into Thursday's exhibition with two linemen -- left guard Terrence Metcalf (knee) and rookie left tackle Chris Williams (back) -- out with injuries.

Bringing Miller back would allow the Bears to move John Tait back to the left tackle position, which figured to be held by the rookie Williams. John St. Clair could play left guard, although Josh Beekman and Anthony Oakley are getting auditions at the position with Metcalf out."