The Chicago Bears’ practice squad shuffle continued on Monday:
The Bears signed to the practice squad WR Nelson Spruce. Released from the practice squad LB Jason Thompson.
— Colleen Kane (@ChiTribKane) October 16, 2017
To make room for wide receiver Nelson Spruce on the practice squad, the Bears released linebacker Jason Thompson.
Spruce – 6’1″ 198 lbs – was not selected in the 2016 NFL Draft, but later signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent, ultimately making the season-opening 53-man roster. However, he never played a down and was sent to injured reserve in November, 2016. Spruce spent last summer with the Rams, but was waived/injured in early September.
Spruce played his college ball at Colorado, where he posted consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons as a junior and senior. His best season came in 2014 (junior year), though, when he caught 106 passes for 1,198 yards and 12 touchdowns. His production tailed off as a senior, but he still managed to haul in 89 catches for 1,053 yards and four scores. He was a two-time second-team All-Pac-12 who wrapped up his college career having set or tied 43 school or conference records.
And just to show I’m not making this guy up, here are some highlights: