The Chicago Bears have been making changes across the roster, from the 53-man roster to the practice squad, following roster cutdowns and waiver wire claims.
After announcing an initial 11-player practice squad featuring returning players from the summer, Chicago announced three additions to the practice squad on Tuesday: running back Zavier Scott, linebacker Buddy Johnson and offensive lineman Christian Jones.
Those players join a group featuring returning favorites running back Salvon Ahmed, wide receiver Kaden Davis, offensive lineman Caden Barnett and veteran addition defensive end Marcus Davenport. The Bears still have two spots open.
Bears' updated practice squad
- RB Salvon Ahmed
- OL Caden Barnett
- TE Stephen Carlson
- DL Marcus Davenport
- WR Kaden Davis
- OL Kyle Hergel
- LB Buddy Johnson
- OL Christian Jones
- LB Wayne Matthews III
- WR Scotty Miller
- DB Deantre Prince
- WR J.P. Richardson
- RB Zavier Scott
- DB Marlen Sewell
How many players are on the practice squad?
In previous seasons, teams were allowed to carry 10 players. That number was going to expand to 12 for the
2020 season and then expand to 14 in 2022. That changed with COVID-19, where the league increased practice squads to 16 players, which will once again be the limit in 2026. Teams can have a 17th practice squad member as part of the International Pathway Program (IPP). Of those potential 17 practice squad members, 10 must have two or fewer accrued seasons. The other six do not have any limitations and are classified as "veterans."
Who is eligible for the practice squad?
Any player can sign with a team's practice squad, but there are limitations in place. Here are the different categories for practice squad players.
- Rookies, or players who have not accrued one season of NFL experience
- Any player who was not active for more nine regular-season games or more during their accrued seasons
- A maximum of four players who earned no more than two accrued NFL seasons
- Six players who've earned more than two accrued NFL seasons.
- At least one player who is a member of the NFL's International Pathway Program (IPP)
How much do practice squad players make?
There are two different salary scales for practice squad players depending on a player’s experience. There’s one for players with two or fewer accrued seasons (which are most practice squad players) and one for everyone with three or more.
The first group, which includes rookies and players who have played no more than two accrued seasons, receive a fixed weekly salary of $13,000. The second group, which consists of players who have played three or more accrued seasons, do not have a fixed salary. The minimum weekly salary for a veteran on the practice squad is $17,500, while the maximum is $22,000.
How can a practice squad player be signed away?
Players on a team’s practice squad are free to sign with another team at any point. Although, a team that signs a player from a practice squad must add the player to its 53-man roster. That means no switching practice squads across the league.
How can teams utilize practice squad players each week?
Teams can elevate up to two practice squad players on game day, expanding their roster to 55 players. Seven players will be designated as inactive. Following the game, players who were elevated to the game day roster revert back to the practice squad. Practice squad players can only be elevated two times per season. If a team wants to play them more, they must sign them to the active roster.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears announce additional practice squad signings
