On Thursday, the Chicago Bears welcomed back a familiar face by signing defensive tackle Travis Bell to their practice squad. Bell, originally a seventh-round pick by the Bears in 2023 out of Kennesaw State, initially didn’t make the 53-man roster but was re-signed to the practice squad the following day.
Bell stayed on Chicago’s practice squad until November 1, when the Atlanta Falcons signed him. He appeared in two games as a reserve for the Falcons, recording two tackles, but was released after about six weeks. Shortly after, Bell was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals, where he finished the 2023 season on their active roster and participated in their 2024 offseason program.
During two preseason games with the Bengals, Bell tallied four tackles, one tackle for loss, and a sack. However, he was waived as part of the team’s final roster cuts.
Judging by the reaction in the locker room, Bell is a favorite of a lot of players. https://t.co/rGNdmvJLeq
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) September 26, 2024
Bears general manager Ryan Poles has always spoken highly of Bell, praising his work ethic and passion for the game. “He’s a special person,” Poles said after drafting him. “He’s passionate about football. When you hear about him working a full-time job during the season and showing up for practice, it shows what the game means to him.”
Bell replaces defensive lineman Sam Roberts on the practice squad, as Roberts was placed on the injured list.
