The Chicago Bears have officially announced their practice squad signings this afternoon. With two spots still available, Chicago will roster 14 players on their practice squad.
Here’s a look at the initial group:
- Austin Reed, Quarterback
- Collin Johnson, Wide Receiver
- Stephen Carlson, Tight End
- Theo Benedet, Guard
- Jake Curhan, Tackle
- Jamree Kromah, Defensive End
- Byron Cowart, Defensive Tackle
- Dashaun Mallory, Defensive Tackle
- Micah Baskerville, Linebacker
- Carl Jones, Linebacker
- Reddy Steward, Cornerback
- Ro Torrence, Cornerback
- Tavarius Moore, Safety
- Quindell Johnson, Safety
The Bears Still have Some Room on the Practice Squad
This list is missing the reported signing of former Patriots defensive lineman Sam Roberts. He is expected to sign a practice squad contract (and be elevated for Week 1), leaving the Bears with one remaining slot on the practice squad.
With Zacch Pickens dealing with a groin injury that has his availability for Week 1 in question, the Bears are adding more depth to their defensive line. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, defensive lineman Sam Roberts is signing a practice squad deal with Chicago, with the Bears‘ intention to elevate him to the active roster for Week 1.
Roberts was a sixth-round pick of the New England Patriots in 2022. He played seven games (started three) in his first two seasons with the Patriots. Roberts has seven tackles in that span and logged ten tackles this preseason with New England.
While Roberts’ playing time was limited in 2023, he had a 90 overall grade at Pro Football Focus for the time he was on the field. Roberts had a 79 PFF grade during the preseason with New England.
We discussed the Bears’ decision to bring rookie quarterback Austin Reed back earlier today, and we’re all familiar with the work of Collin Johnson and Reddy Steward, two of the better performers during the preseason.
Johnson was the hero of the Bears’ victory over the Houston Texans in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game earlier this month. Steward intercepted two passes in Chicago’s victory over the Chiefs to close the preseason last week.