By Jamie Nye

Andy Fantuz speaks following cut by Chicago Bears

Sep 2, 2011 | 4:33 PM

The Chicago Bears have cut Andy Fantuz, leaving the former CFL player 10 days to see if any other NFL teams are interested in him.

However, the Saskatchewan Roughriders believe the receiver would rather play as soon as possible in green and white rather than wait 10 more days.

“I really don't think he'll hang long on that 10-day thing,” explained vice president of football operations and head coach Ken Miller.

“I really think he would like to come back, be a Rider and play as soon as he can.”

Miller said football operations co-ordinator Jeremy O'Day has talked to Fantuz on Friday. The indication O'Day received was Fantuz is more likely to be back soon to continue his CFL career.

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Fantuz had his finest season in the Canadian Football League in 2010 before getting his shot with the Bears. He led the league in receiving and won the Most Outstanding Canadian Award in an all-star season.

Quarterback Darian Durant said he talked to Fantuz last night and says his friend was both 'bitter' and 'frustrated' after not getting the opportunities he was hoping in the pre-season.

Fantuz caught two passes for 20-yards in four games with the Bears.

“I really know how much he wanted that opportunity and to make that team,” said Durant, “I feel bad on a friend level but for this team we really need him. He's a big part of what we do.”

Durant also gave little doubt into the future of his favourite target when asked, hypothetically, if Fantuz could play in the Labour Day Classic on Sunday, “No, we already looked into that, trust me. But, it will be good to have him back next week.”

Fantuz on the other hand had a different perspective in a video blog on his website, “I'm excited to see if another team wants to take a chance and bring me in and see what I got. Either way, I'm ready to get rolling and get playing.”

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