The Chicago Bears are preparing for their primetime Week 1 showdown against the Minnesota Vikings.
This will be the first big test for new head coach Ben Johnson and the Bears, who look to make a statement against the Vikings, a playoff team from last season. However, before we can look ahead to the Monday night clash, the Bears made a couple of roster moves on Tuesday, which include cutting ties with a former UDFA running back.
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC-2, Chicago removed running back Ian Wheeler from injured reserve with an injury settlement.
#Bears remove Bill Murray, Ian Wheeler from IR with injury settlements
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 2, 2025
Bears Cut Ties with Ian Wheeler Ahead of Week 1 Showdown vs. Vikings
Chicago waived the 23-year-old running back last Monday with an injury designation, a day before rosters had to be cut down to 53 players.
The Bears waiving Wheeler gave him a chance to be claimed by a new team, or revert to injured reserve. The former Howard standout was activated off the NFI (non-football injury) list at the start of training camp in July after he suffered a torn ACL last preseason.
Despite the odds being stacked against Wheeler to make the 53-man roster, the 5-foot-10 running back still went out there and performed.
In Chicago’s first two preseason games, Wheeler racked up 100 rushing yards on 26 carries, while adding a reception for 14 yards. The young running back didn’t play in the preseason finale against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Chicago settling with Wheeler allows the second-year running back to seek a new opportunity when he’s healthy. That said, some Bears fans would’ve likely wanted to see Wheeler stay in the Windy City in some capacity.
However, the Bears already have a running back on their practice squad (Brittain Brown), and as we previously mentioned, their running back depth on the active roster is solid. Brown recorded 100 yards and a touchdown on 29 carries, along with two receptions for seven yards in two preseason games.
Wheeler was not unseating second-year running back Roschon Johnson or Kyle Monangai, who impressed in his own right as a seventh-round pick this season.
Nonetheless, we shouldn’t be surprised to see Wheeler’s name pop up on the workout circuit at some point during the 2025 season.