The Chicago Bears have decided to part ways with veteran wide receiver Dante Pettis ahead of their season opener against the Tennessee Titans. On September 5, The Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs reported that Pettis was released from the team’s injured reserve list via an injury settlement, effectively ending his time with the Bears after a challenging year plagued by injuries.
Pettis had a promising start with the Bears in 2022, catching 19 passes for 245 yards and three touchdowns over all 17 games. Despite re-signing him for 2023, a back injury sidelined him for the entire season, landing him on injured reserve. The Bears brought Pettis back for 2024, re-signing him to a one-year contract following their trade for six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen in March. However, another injury limited his preseason performance, with five receptions for 98 yards and two touchdowns before sidelining him again.
Since Pettis was placed on injured reserve before the final roster cutdown and did not receive a return designation, the Bears had two options: keep him on IR for the rest of the season or release him with an injury settlement to allow him to join another team. The Bears opted for the latter.
As a free agent, Pettis’s health remains uncertain. In his absence, DeAndre Carter has stepped up, replacing Pettis as the team’s primary punt returner. Carter, who has more experience and a better career average for punt returns, was chosen over Pettis, who had a challenging preseason, including a muffed punt.
The Bears are well-positioned at wide receiver with a strong trio of D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and rookie Rome Odunze, complemented by Tyler Scott and Velus Jones Jr. They also have promising depth with Collin Johnson and Samori Toure on the practice squad. With this depth, the Bears should manage well without Pettis.
