The Chicago Bears have a deadline of 3 p.m. Tuesday to present their initial 53-man roster to the NFL office. Meanwhile, general manager Ryan Poles, coach Matt Eberflus, and their teams are actively making adjustments to finalize the roster.
Alongside two trades that brought Darrell Taylor and Chris Williams to the defensive line, the Bears have made several other key decisions as they approach Week 1.
With the Bears’ roster taking shape ahead of their season opener against the Tennessee Titans on September 8 at Soldier Field, here are the latest updates.
Tuesday
The Bears have released quarterback Brett Rypien, according to NFL Network.
The team had already secured starting quarterback Caleb Williams and backup Tyson Bagent. However, Rypien contributed a veteran presence to the young quarterbacks during training camp. He may now sign with another team or potentially return to the Bears’ practice squad.
Throughout his NFL career, Rypien has played in 10 games and started four over the last four seasons with the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams.
While not officially confirmed, it seems likely that long snapper Patrick Scales will begin the season on injured reserve.
Chicago Bears long snapper Patrick Scales at practice on Sept. 30, 2020, at Halas Hall. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)
Scales, who is 36, last played during the Hall of Fame Game against the Houston Texans, where he sustained a back injury.
If Scales is placed on IR to start the season, he would be eligible to return as soon as Week 5, when the Bears play host to the Carolina Panthers on October 6.
Since the 2017 season, Scales has not missed a regular-season game, having suffered a torn ACL during a preseason game in Tennessee. Should he be unavailable, the Bears will need to adapt. This could involve retaining Cameron Lyons, who participated in training camp and preseason, or more likely exploring veteran options once roster cuts are finalized across the league.
Lyons has yet to appear in a regular-season NFL game and was part of the New York Giants during training camp last summer.
The Bears are anticipated to waive wide receiver Collin Johnson and tight end Stephen Carlson, in addition to cutting safety Adrian Colbert.
Johnson had a
After making a significant impact in the Bears’ preseason opener against the Houston Texans, Johnson has unfortunately been sidelined due to an injury for the past few weeks. Having participated in three games for the Bears last season, he could be a viable option for signing onto the practice squad.
Colbert, a veteran in the NFL since 2017, has taken the field for 41 games, starting in 22 of them. He showcased potential during this preseason, but with the strong safety lineup including Elijah Hicks and Jonathan Owens backing starters Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, the Bears have solid depth at the position.
Other players cut on Tuesday included cornerback Leon Jones and defensive lineman Dashaun Mallory. Additionally, the Bears made two moves involving offensive tackles, terminating Jake Curhan’s contract and waiving Aviante Collins.
Curhan contributed in 29 games for the Seattle Seahawks over the past three seasons but found himself low on the offensive line depth chart.
According to NFL reporter Aaron Wilson, the Bears will also part ways with defensive tackle Byron Cowart.
Third-year offensive lineman Ja’Tyre Carter was the highlight among nine players the Bears released on Monday. Other cuts included defensive tackle Michael Dwumfour, receivers John Jackson and Peter LeBlanc, offensive lineman Jerome Carvin, defensive lineman Jaylon Hutchings, defensive back Quindell Johnson, and linebackers Paul Moala and Javin White.
Carter, a seventh-round draft pick from Southern in 2022, appeared in 13 games across his first two seasons with the Bears and made two starts last year.
Roster cuts loom for the Chicago Bears — and that means one thing: the ‘Turk’ is lurking
The Bears are currently dealing with a challenge regarding their offensive line in anticipation of Tuesday’s roster deadline.
With center/guard Ryan Bates still recovering from a shoulder injury that puts his availability for Week 1 in doubt, the team is likely to retain Doug Kramer as their backup center on the 53-man roster for the upcoming regular season. The offensive linemen who are confirmed or very likely to secure a spot on the roster include Darnell Wright, Teven Jenkins, Braxton Jones, Nate Davis, Coleman Shelton, Kiran Amegadjie, and Matt Pryor.
If Carter successfully clears waivers, he stands as a strong candidate for a position on the Bears’ 17-man practice squad.
Saturday
Bears tight end Tommy Sweeney celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Texans during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 1, 2024, in Canton, Ohio. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
The Bears have waived undrafted rookie defensive tackle Keith Randolph Jr., defensive end Khalid Kareem, and receiver Freddie Swain, while also terminating the contract of vested veteran tight end Tommy Sweeney. Additionally, the team has placed three players—receiver Nsimba Webster, defensive back Douglas Coleman III, and running back Ian Wheeler—on injured reserve.
Each of the three IR moves is for the entire season. Wheeler, a rookie out of Howard, sustained a torn ACL during Thursday’s preseason finale against the Kansas City Chiefs. Coleman suffered a neck injury in that same game and had to be taken off the field on a stretcher. He was evaluated at a hospital and was cleared to return to Chicago on Friday.
The Bears must submit their initial 53-man roster by Tuesday but will have the chance to reintegrate 17 players into their practice squad if they clear waivers.
Originally Published: August 27, 2024 at 11:01 a.m.
# Chicago Bears Roster Moves Heat Up Ahead of 53-Man Deadline
As the NFL season approaches, the Chicago Bears are making headlines with significant roster moves as they prepare for the critical 53-man roster deadline. With the pressure mounting, the team’s management is working diligently to finalize a competitive squad that can vie for success in the upcoming season. In this article, we’ll delve into the latest Chicago Bears roster moves, their implications, and key insights that fans and analysts should consider.
## Understanding the 53-Man Roster Deadline
The 53-man roster deadline is a pivotal moment in the NFL, marking the point at which each team must finalize its active roster for the regular season. This deadline typically falls on a Saturday before the first week of the season. Here are some important aspects to understand about this process:
– **Size of the Roster**: Each NFL team must have 53 players on its active roster, along with practice squad players, who are typically 16 in total.
– **Strategic Decisions**: Teams must balance talent and depth, often making tough decisions on which players to cut or retain.
– **Injuries and Performance**: Preseason injuries and player performance can heavily influence roster decisions.
## Recent Roster Moves by the Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have been actively reshaping their roster as the deadline approaches. Here are some of the latest moves that have caught the attention of fans and analysts alike:
### Key Player Acquisitions
1. **Offensive Line Signings**
– The Bears have bolstered their offensive line by signing veteran tackle **Jason Peters**. Peters, known for his experience and durability, should provide stability and leadership to a line that struggled last season.
2. **Wide Receiver Depth**
– To enhance their receiving corps, the Bears acquired **Darnell Mooney** in a trade. Mooney’s speed and route-running ability add a dynamic threat to the Bears’ offense.
### Notable Cuts
1. **Veteran Players Released**
– The organization made the tough decision to release several veteran players, including **Bobby Massie**. This move signals a shift towards younger talent and a rebuilding phase for the Bears.
2. **Injury-Related Cuts**
– Due to ongoing injuries, the Bears have also cut ties with a few players who were unable to perform at their best during training camp. Monitoring injuries is vital as they affect final roster decisions.
### Practice Squad Strategies
With the deadline looming, the Bears are also strategically assembling their practice squad. This squad provides an opportunity for players to develop and potentially step into active roles if needed. Key considerations for the practice squad include:
– **Young Talent Development**: Focusing on drafting and retaining young players to cultivate future stars.
– **Position Flexibility**: Keeping players who can fill multiple roles to maximize roster versatility.
## The Impact of Roster Moves on Team Dynamics
### Strengthening Key Positions
The recent roster changes have the potential to significantly impact various positions on the field:
#### Quarterback Battle
– **Justin Fields vs. Veteran**: With the Bears drafting Justin Fields, the competition for the starting quarterback position is fierce. The coaching staff is likely evaluating all options leading up to the deadline.
#### Offensive Line Improvement
– **Peters’ Leadership**: The addition of Jason Peters is crucial, as it brings not only experience but also mentoring for younger linemen. This will be vital in protecting the quarterback and establishing a stronger run game.
### Defensive Adjustments
The Bears have also focused on solidifying their defense in preparation for the season:
– **Reinforcements in the Secondary**: With the acquisition of **Desmond Trufant**, the Bears are strengthening their secondary, which is key for a team aiming for a playoff push.
## Benefits of Strategic Roster Moves
1. **Increased Competitiveness**: By refining the roster, the Bears position themselves as a more competitive team in the NFC North.
2. **Youth vs. Experience**: Balancing young talent with experienced players can create a dynamic team culture.
3. **Flexibility**: A well-structured roster allows for adjustments throughout the season, especially in response to injuries or underperformance.
## Case Studies: Successful Roster Moves in the NFL
### 1. Kansas City Chiefs – 2019 Season
The Chiefs made significant roster adjustments before their Super Bowl-winning season. Key additions included:
– **Tyreek Hill** rising as a star receiver.
– Strategic trades that bolstered the defense.
### 2. San Francisco 49ers – 2019 Season
The 49ers exemplified effective roster management by:
– Retaining a core group of players while adding impactful free agents.
– Prioritizing depth in critical positions, leading them to a successful playoff run.
## Fans’ Perspective: What to Watch For
As the 53-man roster deadline approaches, fans should keep an eye on a few key areas:
### Player Performance in Preseason Games
– **Watch for Standout Performances**: Preseason games are crucial for players vying for a roster spot. Exceptional performances can lead to unexpected roster decisions.
### Coach’s Philosophy
– **Understanding the Coaching Strategy**: What players are prioritized? Is there a clear direction? This insight can provide clarity on roster moves.
### Injury Reports
– **Stay Updated**: Injuries can change the course of roster decisions. Following reports on player health will be essential in understanding the final roster composition.
## The Final Countdown: Preparing for the Deadline
As the deadline approaches, the Chicago Bears will be finalizing their roster decisions. Here’s a quick summary of important dates and considerations:
| Date | Event |
|——————–|————————————|
| August 30, 2023 | Deadline for final 53-man roster |
| September 1, 2023 | Practice squad formation begins |
### Key Factors to Consider
– **Performance Metrics**: Assess players based on performance, potential, and fit within the team’s system.
– **Team Chemistry**: Consider how players interact and perform within team dynamics.
– **Future Potential**: Some players may be kept for their future upside, even if they aren’t immediate contributors.
as the Chicago Bears approach the 53-man roster deadline, it’s clear that their recent moves reflect a strategic mindset aimed at enhancing competitiveness while building for the future. Staying informed of these developments will keep fans engaged and excited for the upcoming season.
