The Chicago Bears are slowly but surely starting to get some back from injured reserve, which is good as we get closer to the midway point of the season. About two weeks ago, the Bears announced that defensive end Austin Booker and running back Travis Homer would have their 21-day practice windows opened.
Neither Booker nor Homer has played in a game yet, but the hope is that they will see the field very soon, which will help Chicago on defense and special teams.
In addition to the duo, the Bears announced on Thursday that they’ve opened up the 21-day practice window for linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga, per Scott Bair of the Marquee Sports Network. The 27-year-old linebacker has been on injured reserve for the first six weeks of the season.
Bears LB Amen Ogbongbemiga Takes Significant Step Towards Making 2025 Debut
The veteran linebacker was initially placed on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury, as the Bears cut down their roster to 53 players in late August.
Ogbongbemiga, who was re-signed to a one-year deal in the offseason, reportedly suffered a shoulder injury in Chicago’s preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins. However, he played in the Bears’ next exhibition game against the Buffalo Bills.
When healthy, Ogbongbemiga is a solid special teams contributor who should give the Bears’ coverage units a boost. This season, the Bears are ranked 11th in yards per kick return allowed (26.9) and yards per return allowed (11.9).
In his first season with the Bears, Ogbongbemiga played predominantly on special teams (84% of snaps). The 6-foot-1, 226-pound linebacker recorded 13 combined tackles, a tackle for loss, a quarterback hit, and a sack.
Ogbongbemiga has made his way in the NFL as an undrafted free agent due to his ability to be a core special teams player. When the Bears officially activate him to play, they’ll likely have to free up a spot on the 53-man roster for the veteran defender.
Looking at the Bears’ current depth chart at linebacker, D’Marco Jackson could be the odd man out, as he has played in four games (all on special teams). Jackson joined the Bears at the end of the preseason in August after the New Orleans Saints released him, who are the Bears’ next opponent.
Needless to say, Ogbongbemiga's situation is one to monitor throughout the next three weeks.