Bears Reunite With Rookie Among 2 Roster Moves, Host DB for Tryout
Context:
The Chicago Bears made multiple practice-squad moves, signing long snapper Beau Gardner to retool the unit after a rocky preseason showing and releasing Scotty Miller. They also brought in defensive back Elijah Jones for a tryout while monitoring the health of Tyrique Stevenson, who is listed as a week-to-week hamstring injury. Chicago reunited with veteran long snapper Scott Daly, a move aimed at stabilizing the position after Gardner’s costly snaps contributed to a blocked field goal. The team is expanding its defensive back options, with Nick McCloud previously re-signed and the potential for Malik Muhammad to slide into a starting role if Stevenson sits. The moves signal a broader push to shore up special-teams reliability and depth in the secondary ahead of upcoming games.
Dive Deeper:
The Bears signed long snapper Beau Gardner to the practice squad and released veteran Scotty Miller to make room on the roster, signaling a shake-up of the special-teams unit.
Gardner had struggled with snaps dating back to the preseason, and a high snap in Week 2 against the Vikings helped contribute to a blocked field goal, prompting the organizational pivot.
Chicago responded by reuniting with veteran Scott Daly to replace the rookie Gardner, hoping to bring steadier operation on long snaps going forward.
Elijah Jones, a former third-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 2024 who appeared in 10 games in 2025, joined the Bears for a tryout as the team evaluates defensive-back depth.
Tyrique Stevenson was listed as a non-participant on the injury report due to a hamstring issue, prompting the Bears to consider additional backs such as Nick McCloud and others if Stevenson misses time.
If Stevenson is unavailable for Monday night, Malik Muhammad would likely start in his spot with Cam Lewis in the slot and Xavier Woods at safety, indicating a rotational approach to the secondary.
The broader context shows the Bears actively shoring up both special-teams reliability and defensive back options mid-season.