NEWSLETTER
The assembly of a practice squad tends to get overlooked. But between injuries and the NFL’s new roster-flex option that expands game-day rosters to 55 players, we find ourselves getting to know more and more practice squad players.
And with that in mind, a pair of practice squad guys are getting the call to the active roster for Sunday’s game against the Packers:
We have flexed Dieter Eiselen & Artavis Pierce to the active roster for #GBvsCHI.https://t.co/yokEmQuw25
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 16, 2021
Offensive lineman Dieter Eiselen and running back Artavis Pierce are joining the active roster for Sunday’s game.
Eiselen, 25, jumps on board to take a reserve lineman spot that Elijah Wilkinson leaves behind to (presumably) join the starting lineup. Wilkinson was Chicago’s right tackle after Germain Ifedi left with an injury. And figures to play that role for as long as Ifedi is on IR. Meanwhile, Eiselen is a desperation option if push comes to shove and the Bears need a body. The Yale product was part of Chicago’s 2020 UDFA class and made his debut in last year’s loss at the Titans. Sure, it was just 3 special teams snaps. But they all count.
Pierce enters the fray with the Bears’ running backs room needing help. David Montgomery is on IR for at least the next two weeks. And Damien Williams, Montgomery’s backup, won’t be available Sunday after testing positive for COVID-19. Chicago brought in Ryan Nall earlier in the week, and now is bringing along his former Oregon State roommate. Pierce, 25, had six carries and 34 rushing yards in five games last year. But he did have this nifty touchdown against the Jaguars:
First NFL touchdown for former Beaver Artavis Pierce of the Bears.
— SportsPac12 (@SportsPac12) December 27, 2020
Both Eiselen and Pierce will have one more game-day flex to be used before the Bears must make a decision on keeping each for the long term. But no need to cross a bridge we’re not even close to approaching just yet.
