Former Chicago Bears running back Ian Wheeler is getting another shot at his NFL dream this summer with the Buffalo Bills, and it sounds like he's making a strong impression as he contends for a coveted roster spot.
During Thursday's joint practice against the Cleveland Browns, Wheeler turned heads when he hauled in a pass from backup quarterback Shane Buechele and proceeded to lower his shoulder against Browns safety Daniel Thomas to pick up extra yardage.
"A thud loud enough that everyone could hear and one that got the entire Buffalo offense hyped up," wrote Bills reporter Jonathan Acosta. "Josh Allen said Wheeler is a 'low runner' with a lot of power."
As promised, here's #Bills RB Ian Wheeler lowering his shoulder today in the joint practice
with the Browns. A thud loud enough that everyone could hear and one that got the entire Buffalo offense hyped up. Josh Allen said Wheeler is a "low runner" with a lot of power.@WGRZ https://t.co/sErOib16h2 pic.twitter.com/0NtIT8VBVU
— Jonathan Acosta (@JAcostaTV) August 20, 2026
Wheeler is coming off an impressive season in the UFL with the Louisville Kings, where he rushed for 541 yards on 83 carries (6.62 yards per carry) in 11 games. He played a key role in the Kings winning the UFL championship, where he was named the United Bowl MVP for scoring a go-ahead touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Wheeler also set a UFL single-game record with four rushing touchdowns back on April 26.
Wheeler signed as an undrafted rookie with Chicago back in 2024, and he was a standout during HBO's "Hard Knocks," where the world learned his story about postponing medical school to pursue his football dream.
But Wheeler suffered a torn ACL in the final preseason game back in 2024, which halted an impressive preseason run. Wheeler also spent time with the New Orleans Saints practice squad in 2025. Now, he's making waves in Buffalo.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Former Bears running back turning heads at Bills training camp
