NFL training camp is set to begin next week, and one former Oregon Ducks player is facing an uphill battle to crack the roster in his fourth season.
The Chicago Bears placed linebacker Noah Sewell on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list on Saturday, just days before training camp opens on July 29. Sewell was a fifth-round pick by the Bears in 2023, but has struggled to see the field in his first three seasons.
Last season, Sewell saw his most action as a pro, playing in 13 games and starting nine of them, recording a career-high 59 tackles. However, he has battled injuries throughout his career, including a torn Achilles in a Week 17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Sewell is still battling back from that injury, and he appears set to miss
at least the start of a very important training camp. There is some question as to whether or not the former Oregon star will make the team this fall, alongside Oregon rookie safety Dillon Thieneman, who was selected by the Bears in the first round of April's draft.
The Bears have placed these players on the Physically Unable to Perform list via @BearsPR
— SleeperBears (@SleeperBears) July 25, 2026
DB Kyler Gordon
OL Ozzy Trapilo
DL Shemar Turner
LB Keyshaun Elliott
LB Noah Sewell pic.twitter.com/d442nVywgv
ESPN's Courtney Cronin notably left Sewell off her projected 53-man roster for the Bears, emphasizing the rumor that Sewell needs to put together an impressive camp to keep his spot on the roster. The Bears added to the linebacker room in the offseason, notably signing Devin Bush and Jack Sanborn in free agency, while adding Arizona State linebacker Keyshaun Elliott in the fifth round of the draft. Some believe Elliott is a sleeper who fell further than expected in the draft and could be ready to contribute quickly.
Sewell has been serviceable throughout his career, both as a linebacker and a special teams player. Still, the Bears could look to move on from him if the rookie Elliott shines in camp, or the veterans brought in during free agency prove their worth. Sewell hasn't been reliable from an injury standpoint, which could toss him into the free market.
If that were to happen, it likely means Sewell would no longer line up against his brother, Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell, unless he were to join another team in the NFC North. Sewell is still only 24 years old and a great tackler, so another team would likely be willing to take a chance on him.
In three seasons in Eugene, Sewell amassed 219 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks and two interceptions. The big linebacker earned All-Pac-12 honors each season, including first-team honors in 2021, and was crowned Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year in 2020.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Bears' Noah Sewell placed on PUP list before pivotal training camp
