The countdown has begun for NFL teams to finalize their 53-man rosters, and for the Chicago Bears, the process is officially underway. General manager Ryan Poles and his staff must trim the roster to the league’s required number by Tuesday’s 3 p.m. deadline. With injuries, waiver deadlines, and practice squad considerations all in play, the Bears are juggling tough decisions in multiple position groups particularly at running back.
First Wave of Cuts
The Bears began making moves on Sunday afternoon, starting with a difficult blow: cornerback Terell Smith was placed on season-ending injured reserve after tearing his patellar tendon in his left knee during the preseason victory over the Buffalo Bills. The team also placed six other players on waivers, cutting the roster down to 84. That leaves 31 additional spots to be cleared before the deadline.
While that number might seem daunting, the timing of practices and upcoming deadlines adds some structure. The Bears will hold practice at 2 p.m. Monday and again at 1 p.m. Tuesday, meaning many of the cuts could come before then. Still, some players may be held temporarily for practice reps before being released and possibly brought back onto the practice squad once waiver claims clear on Wednesday.
Waivers, Practice Squad, and Timeline
The NFL waiver wire adds another layer to roster-building strategy. Teams must submit claims by 11 a.m. Wednesday, after which franchises can begin constructing their 16-man practice squads. The Bears will practice at 1 p.m. Wednesday, which could allow for some of their released players to rejoin the team in time for that session if they pass through waivers unclaimed.
This flexibility gives Poles the chance to strategically maneuver players between the active roster, practice squad, and injured reserve.
Spotlight on the Running Back Room
Perhaps the most intriguing battle comes at running back. D’Andre Swift, acquired in the offseason, is clearly the starter and logged 20 snaps in the preseason finale against Kansas City. But behind him, the situation is far from settled.
Seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai has been sidelined since August 15 with a soft-tissue injury but is expected back soon. Meanwhile, Roschon Johnson (foot) and Travis Homer (calf) have both missed significant time, leaving the team with limited healthy options. Johnson, a promising 2023 fourth-round pick, and Homer, who signed a one-year deal worth $1.75 million this spring, could both be candidates to open the season on injured reserve with the option to return.
That leaves Brittain Brown who impressed with 100 rushing yards and a touchdown on 29 preseason carries and recent signing Royce Freeman as the healthiest options heading into cut week. Ian Wheeler, another depth option, did not dress against the Chiefs.
The Bears may opt to go light at running back when the initial 53 is submitted, then make additions via waivers, free agency, or a potential trade later in the week. Once Monangai returns, the urgency eases, but early-season roster juggling will be inevitable.
Injured Reserve Considerations
New NFL rules will also impact the Bears’ decisions. Teams can now place up to two players directly on injured reserve with a designation to return as part of Tuesday’s reduction, rather than being forced to carry them on the active roster first.
Defensive end Austin Booker, who led the NFL preseason with four sacks, is one possible IR candidate after head coach Ben Johnson confirmed he will be out for a few weeks. Other players to watch include cornerback Josh Blackwell, quarterback Case Keenum, and linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga all nursing minor injuries. Rookie corner Zah Frazier, a fifth-rounder who missed all of camp and preseason for personal reasons, is unlikely to crack the Week 1 roster and could also land on a reserve list.
Other Key Moves Expected
Two additional roster designations are expected before Tuesday’s deadline. Star cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who has been sidelined since the start of camp with a calf injury, should be activated from the non-football injury list. Likewise, Australian rookie punter Tory Taylor must be removed from the international exemption list to officially count toward the 53-man roster.
Final Thoughts
With just hours remaining before the deadline, the Bears’ roster picture remains fluid. Injuries have complicated the backfield rotation and thinned other position groups, forcing GM Ryan Poles to weigh both short-term availability and long-term potential.
Fans should expect the initial 53-man roster on Tuesday afternoon to look different by the end of the week. Between waiver claims, practice squad signings, and injured reserve adjustments, the group taking the field in Week 1 may not fully resemble the one announced on deadline day.
One thing is certain: the next 48 hours will go a long way in shaping the Bears’ 2025 season.