The Bears have set their initial 53-man roster. Here is the full breakdown of the moves they made on Tuesday ahead of the cutdown deadline in addition to releasing veteran quarterback Brett Rypien:
Released:
- FBÂ Khari Blasingame
- WRÂ Collin Johnson
- TEÂ Stephen Carlson
- OLÂ Aviante Collins
- DLÂ Byron Cowart
- CBÂ Greg Stroman
- SÂ Adrian Colbert
- S Tarvarius Moore
Waived:
- QBÂ Austin Reed
- TEÂ Brenden Bates
- OLÂ Theo Benedet
- OLÂ Jake Curhan
- DLÂ Jamree Kromah
- DLÂ Dashaun Mallory
- LBÂ Micah Baskerville
- DLÂ Carl Jones Jr.
- DBÂ Leon Jones
- DBÂ Reddy Steward
- DBÂ Ro Torrence
- LSÂ Cameron Lyons
- PÂ Corliss WaitmanÂ
Placed on IR:
- WRÂ Dante Pettis
Placed on IR (designated for return):
- OLÂ Larry Borom
- DEÂ Jacob Martin
With Rypien out of the picture, it will be interesting to see if Reed is kept the organization with a practice squad deal. For the time being, Chicago’s only passers are Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent. It comes as no surprise those two were kept on the 53-man roster, of course, but it neither Rypien nor Reed are available in the next few days, the Bears will be in the market for a depth addition.
Waitman was one of two punters in place during the offseason, so the decision to cut him means fourth-round rookie Tory Taylor has won the gig. Waitman, 29, played for the Steelers in 2021 and the Broncos the following season. He led the NFL in punts during his full campaign in Denver, but he did see any regular season action in 2023. Waitman signed a futures deal in the winter, the Taylor selection suggested he would need to find a new home once roster cuts took place.
Borom and Martin were not named to the initial 53-man roster, per a new role for 2024. Teams may designate two players to return from IR before naming their rosters, although they are still required to miss at least the first four games of the season. In Pettis’ case, on the other hand, today’s move confirms he will be sidelined for the entire campaign.