The Chicago Bears have officially started assembling their practice squad for the 2026 NFL season, marking an important step as they prepare for the upcoming campaign. The practice squad allows teams to develop players who may not yet be ready for the active roster, providing a vital resource for player development and injury management throughout the season.
As of now, the Bears have signed 11 players to their initial practice squad, with the list likely to change as the team evaluates talent and makes adjustments. The most recent addition is tight end Qadir Ismail, who was signed on September 2. This move comes after the team also secured running back Zavier Scott, linebacker Buddy Johnson, and offensive lineman Christian Jones on September 1.
The complete list of players currently on the Bears' practice squad includes a mix of positions, showcasing the team's strategy to bolster various areas of their roster. The players signed so far are:
- Caden Barnett, OG
- Kyle Hergel, iOL
- Christian Jones, OT
- Salvon Ahmed, RB
- Zavier Scott, RB
- Scotty Miller, WR
- Kaden Davis, WR
- J.P. Richardson, WR
- Stephen Carlson, TE
- Qadir Ismail, TE
- Wayne Matthews III, LB
- Buddy Johnson, LB
- Marlen Sewell, S
- Deantre Prince, CB
- Marcus Davenport, DE
With one spot still remaining on the practice squad, the Bears are expected to continue evaluating players in the coming days. The practice squad is not only a place for developing talent but also a strategic tool for teams to manage their rosters effectively, especially in light of injuries that often occur during the grueling NFL season.
It is important to note that the NFL has specific eligibility requirements for practice squad players. Teams can have a maximum of 17 players on their practice squad, including those who qualify for the International Pathway Program. Additionally, a mix of players with varying levels of experience can occupy the squad, from rookies to those with multiple accrued seasons.
Teams have the ability to elevate up to two practice squad players for each game, allowing for flexibility on game day. However, only 48 players can be active for any given game. If a player is elevated, they revert back to the practice squad after the game unless they are signed to the active roster permanently after three elevations.
Players on the practice squad are considered free agents and can be signed by other teams. If a player is signed away, their new team must keep them on the active roster for at least three weeks, ensuring that players have opportunities to advance their careers even if they are initially overlooked for the active roster.
As the Bears continue to finalize their practice squad, fans will be watching closely to see how these signings impact the team’s depth and performance in the 2026 season.
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