"Bears defensive back Ricky Manning Jr., demoted this off-season, said he wants know this week whether the team plans to trade him.

"Right now I'm running with the [third team], so that tells me I'm not part of the team's plans," he said after Wednesday's first practice. "I'm not starting on some of the special teams I was. Clearly, I think we're going in different directions. That's perfectly fine with me, but I just want to know."

Manning Jr., who is signed through 2010, started five games as the team's nickel back last season. He since has lost that job to Danieal Manning, who was moved over from free safety.

Manning Jr. said he would prefer to remain with the Bears in an increased role. He said seeking a trade is not up to him.

"That's between my agent (James Ivler) and Jerry Angelo," he said. "I'm stuck between a rock in a hard place.

"It's hard because I'm not getting the reps. I'm trying to get ready for the season. For me to get ready to play, I have to play. I would love to play here. But I do have a family to feed, a season to prepare for. If I'm going to be traded, not be a part of this scheme, I'd like know so I can prepare for the season with the team I'm going to be with.""