Chicago Bears Practice Squad Depth Chart: Players and Prospects

Every year, fans get excited about the possibility of a sleeper or two making the Chicago Bears roster. However, for many of these hopefuls, a spot on the practice squad emerges as a more plausible outcome. In the NFL, these players, often overlooked or injured, have a unique chance to claim their places on the team’s final roster. Below, we outline the top players who, despite standing on the brink of being excised from the 53-man roster, have a strong chance to find a home on the bears' practice squad.

Injured Reserve Candidates

One way for a player to stay on the radar of the team while avoiding the risk of waivers is to place them on Injured Reserve (IR). With this in mind, two players show potential here:

Rashard Fant - A slot cornerback who has had minimal action, Fant could easily be a target for injury listing. His competitive advantage lies in his pure coverage skills and his potential to be a valuable depth benefit. Josh Woods - An inconsistent starter who saw limited action in early games due to injury, Woods may be necessary as a stash player. He provided essential support as a special teamer in his brief spell on the active roster.

Tier One: Players Promising for the Practice Squad

The top candidates to make the final roster also hold promise for the practice squad. Here are some players who have shown the potential to shine in their reserve roles:

1. Rashaad Coward

Coward's consistent performance nears his place on the active roster, with a slight edge over Bradley Sowell. Despite his raw talent, he could be crucial if the Bears need to stash him due to waiver rules. Teams often prefer to keep such players active to possibly claim them later.

2. Ryan Nall

As the backup fullback and running back, Nall provides versatility and familiarity with the playbook. With Taquan Mizzell and Knile Davis unlikely to make the roster, Nall stands out as a valuable depth player. His promotion to the practice squad is almost guaranteed.

3. Tanner Gentry

In his second season, Gentry may not make the final roster. If Javon Wims faces cut, Gentry will likely take his place. With Garrett Johnson also on the IR, the stage is set for Gentry, who has struggled a bit in preseason but has shown potential.

4. Ben Braunecker

With Adam Shaheen potentially unavailable, the door opens for Braunecker. However, his development as a blocker and pass catcher has been underwhelming, making it unlikely he will make the final 53-man roster. His time on the practice squad is better considered.

5. Jordan Morgan

Morgan's experience and skill are still in development, as demonstrated by his Hall of Fame game performance. After a season on the IR, his potential lies in the practice squad, where he can build and refine his craft.

6. Dejon Allen

As an undrafted free agent (UDFA) with significant upside from Hawaii, Allen has shown promising versatility. Standing out at tackle spots and even guard, he presents a fitting candidate for the practice squad due to his promising form.

7. Abdullah Anderson

Anderson’s play at the nose tackle spot is critical for his long-term future with the Bears. Although he has not challenged John Jenkins, the team’s aged veteran, his potential growth could earn him more extended consideration.

8. Cavon Walker

Walker's ability to slide out to tackle and even guard positions makes him a versatile candidate. Despite a brief absence from major headlines post-Hall of Fame game, his promising play suggests he will stay on the radar for the practice squad.

9. Michael Joseph

Joseph’s drafted from Kutztown with his size limitations, but his smarts and instincts have proven crucial. He outshines Doran Grant and shows potential to continue on the practice squad.

10. Nick Orr

Orr’s special teams skills have caught notice, and with Deiondre’ Hall likely to be cut, Orr becomes the fifth safety on the depth chart. His instinctual play style makes him a valuable emergency scenario player.