The Chicago Bears made several roster adjustments on Wednesday to address injuries and bolster their lineup for the remainder of the season. These moves impacted both the active roster and the practice squad, signaling strategic changes as the team navigates late-season challenges.
Wide receiver and return specialist DeAndre Carter, who sustained a hamstring injury during Sunday’s game, was placed on injured reserve. Carter’s absence leaves a void in the Bears’ special teams and receiving corps, prompting the team to act quickly to reinforce the roster. To fill the vacancy, the Bears signed defensive tackle Jonathan Ford from the Green Bay Packers’ practice squad.
Ford, a 25-year-old former Auburn standout, was drafted by the Packers in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft. While he made the Packers’ active roster as a rookie, he was inactive for every game that season. In 2023, Ford spent the year on Green Bay’s practice squad, and this season has been a journey of ups and downs for the 6’5”, 338-pound lineman. After starting the season on injured reserve, he was activated, released, and eventually re-signed to the practice squad in October. Now, Ford joins the Bears with an opportunity to make an impact on the defensive front, particularly as they look to solidify their run defense and add bulk to their line for the next four weeks.
In addition to these changes, the Bears also made adjustments to their practice squad. On Tuesday, they released running back Demetric Felton, paving the way for the addition of Royce Freeman. Freeman, a 6-foot, 238-pound running back, brings significant NFL experience to the team. Originally drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Freeman has since played for six teams, showcasing his adaptability and skill set as a versatile runner and pass-catcher.
The Bears’ recent roster moves reflect a proactive approach to addressing the challenges of a long NFL season. With Carter sidelined, they’ve lost a key contributor to their special teams, but Ford’s addition provides a much-needed boost to their defensive line. Meanwhile, Freeman’s signing enhances depth at the running back position, giving the team another option in their ground attack.
These transactions underscore the Bears’ commitment to staying competitive despite injuries and setbacks. As the season progresses, the contributions of players like Ford and Freeman could play a pivotal role in the team’s performance. For now, the focus remains on integrating the new additions and maintaining momentum as the season reaches its final stretch.
