Bears Sign Notable Veteran RB in Surprise Week 15 Move

The Bears signed veteran running back Royce Freeman to the practice squad.
Dec 8, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Chicago Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown stands on the sideline during action against the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter at Levi's Stadium.
Dec 8, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Chicago Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown stands on the sideline during action against the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. / Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
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The Chicago Bears are in the middle of one of the worst losing streaks in franchise history. The Bears dropped their seventh-straight game last week, losing 38-13 to the San Francisco 49ers.

Chicago will hopefully snap its losing skid on Monday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings, but it won’t be easy. The Vikings are 11-2 and a stellar 6-1 at home. These two teams just played each other in Week 12 when the Vikings won by three points in overtime.

That said, before these two NFC North rivals square off for the rematch, Chicago made several roster moves, which include signing a running back.

Bears News: Chicago Adds Royce Freeman to Practice Squad

On Wednesday, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reported that the Bears signed veteran running back Royce Freeman to the practice squad. Biggs also mentioned Chicago put wide receiver/returner DeAndre Carter on injured reserve with a hamstring injury and signed defensive lineman Jonathan Ford to the 53-man roster.

Freeman joins Darrynton Evans as the only two running backs on the practice squad. The veteran running back spent preseason/training camp with the Dallas Cowboys this summer.

The 28-year-old Freeman was recently with the Cleveland Browns, who signed him to their practice squad in mid-September. However, Freeman was cut weeks later by the Browns.

Before he landed with the Browns, Freeman was expected to compete for a job in the Cowboys’ backfield. But he was cut ahead of the 53-man roster deadline in late August. 

Freeman missed some time in training camp and preseason because of a groin injury. However, he played well when he did get on the field. The veteran has extensive NFL experience, playing 79 games across six seasons.

The last time Freeman played in a regular season game was with the Los Angeles Rams in 2023. Freeman appeared in 14 games last season, recording 319 yards and two scores on 77 carries.

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