Don't go to Wikipedia and look for a page for Chicago Bears running back Ian Wheeler. The reason for that is that it doesn't exist.
Such a page might have to be created soon, though, after Wheeler's performance in the Bears' second preseason game, a 38-0 win over the Buffalo Bills.
Wheeler led all Bears running backs with 80 yards on 19 carries and scored their final two touchdowns. Any fan at Soldier Field who didn't know who he was before certainly knew by evening's end. Plus, he did it with two different coaches calling plays.
Ian Wheeler Now Has a Chance to Make Bears Roster After Preseason Week 2
While some folks prefer to think about who will back up Caleb Williams at quarterback, don't sleep on the running back situation. Though he was playing against the Bills' backups, Wheeler showed he at least is capable of competing with defenders capable of making it to the NFL.
Let's not kid ourselves, though. Wheeler won't be moving up the depth chart anytime soon. There simply is too much talent in front of him, and there simply isn't enough time left for him to change anyone's mind about being fourth at best.
Still, you can't watch that last game and say he doesn't have what it takes. It might serve the Bears well to go to a four-man running back rotation because even in the pass-heavy era that is today's NFL, you never want to ride with the same two or three guys for an entire game.
At the very least, Wheeler should be considered for the practice squad because he's earned more reps with an NFL team. But a case can be made that he should be suiting up for the Bears' season opener, unlikely as that might seem.
The Bears signed Wheeler as an undrafted free agent in 2024, but he spent the entire season on injured reserve. He undoubtedly has been waiting for the time when he can bust down the door that was put up for him. That time has arrived, and he should be rewarded for it.
All too often in the NFL, we see teams let a player get away during training camp only for that player to shine elsewhere. The Bears shouldn't give Wheeler the opportunity to do that and let him earn his stripes with them. If they don't, they might look back on this moment in time with serious regret.
The Bears have made one mistake after another in recent years. Don't let this be another one.