The Chicago Bears are coming off a thrilling 47-42 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, which came down to the final moments in the fourth quarter. It was the type of win that could help propel the Bears towards making a playoff push.
That said, Chicago is taking things one day at a time, as they try to figure out if they’ll be making changes to their 53-man roster ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline. Speaking of potential roster moves, the Bears have an interesting decision to make regarding one of their injured veterans, who could be a huge help on special teams.
According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Bears have until Thursday to activate LB Amen Ogbongbemiga to the 53-man roster. Chicago opened up the 21-day practice window for the 27-year-old defender on Oct. 18.
Bears Going Down to the Wire with Big Decision on Injured LB
Ogbongbemiga has not seen the field yet this season after he was placed on injured reserve at the end of the exhibition campaign due to a knee injury. If the Bears do not decide to bring him back later this week, he’ll have to spend the rest of the season on injured reserve.
Ogbongbemiga, along with Austin Booker and Travis Homer, had their 21-day practice windows opened by the Bears towards the middle of last month.
Booker and Homer have already made their way back to the field, leaving just the veteran special teams contributor waiting to see what his future holds. Homer has played in the Bears’ last three games, while Booker made his 2025 season debut in Sunday’s game against the Bengals.
The 22-year-old Booker built on his standout showing during the preseason and made an immediate impact as he had two combined tackles, a tackle for loss, a quarterback hit, and a forced fumble in 37 defensive snaps. Chicago will need to see more of that as the season progresses.
As for Ogbongbemiga, the Bears’ special teams unit, especially the kick coverage, could use his presence on the field. Over the last two games, Chicago’s kick coverage team has given up far too many yards, which falls squarely on the shoulders of special teams coordinator Richard Hightower.
In his first season with the Bears, Ogbongbemiga was tied with defensive lineman Daniel Hardy for the team lead in special teams total tackles (11). Through nine weeks, Hardy leads the Bears with 11 special teams total tackles, followed by Carl Jones.
When the Bears ultimately decide to bring back Ogbongbemiga, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them part ways with D’Marco Jackson, who has spent most of this season on special teams.