Arguably, the biggest headline the Chicago Bears made this past week when making final 53-man roster decisions was carrying only five receivers on the initial roster. What appeared to be an entertaining battle for the final spot wound up not mattering, as Luther Burden, Rome Odunze, Kalif Raymond, Zavion Thomas, and Jahdae Walker were the only pieces to make the first version of Chicago's roster. However, very quietly, the Bears made moves to maintain veteran depth and keep a hold on pieces that could still factor into the upcoming season.
Ray-Ray McCloud was kept by moving the injured veteran to IR and leaving a clear possibility that he could factor into the active roster at some point in the 2026 season. Furthering this, Scotty Miller was signed to the team's practice squad and would be surprising not to see make his way into the lineup at some point in the upcoming season.
Miller's speed is going to keep the attention of head coach Ben Johnson, who gave the receiver an extended summer run after impressing in rookie minicamp in a tryout. Miller has experience in big moments helping Tom Brady win the legend's final ring in Tampa Bay. This is great depth to be able to stash on the practice squad and should factor into Chicago's rotation at some point in the upcoming season.
Bears very quietly keep important receiver depth keeping Ray-Ray McCloud and Scotty Miller
Chicago has its primary receivers locked into place with both Odunze and Burden expected to take notable leaps in the 2026 season. Still, there isn't a lot of proven depth and having McCloud and Miller lurking as depth options provides a needed sense of security for the bottom of the depth chart. It isn't going to change Chicago's expectations, but it could provide a handful of big plays if the Bears are forced to test their depth.
For Miller, it is a chance to put his career back on track and serve in a reserve role for a franchise expected to be among the top conference contenders. This is the exact role the speedster has previously thrived in and leaves hope that contributions can be found if needed.
No question, Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson are both doing an elite job of embracing youth while keeping a blend of veteran depth within reach. It is the type of moves you see a top contender continually make and should have fans even more excited for the year ahead.
Both Thomas and Walker are clearly more exciting options and that is why the initial roster decisions played out the way they have. Still, Chicago was wise to add depth preparing for possible injuries as we close in on the regular season.
| More Bears on DaWindyCity |
Add us as a preferred source on Google