Bears Releasing Preseason Standout With Hopes of Reunion After Cutdown Day

The Chicago Bears made several roster moves on Monday ahead of Tuesday’s roster deadline as they prepare for Week 1 of the 2024 regular season.

The Bears continued those moves on Tuesday, cutting one of the notable preseason standouts from the offensive side of the ball. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, Chicago plans to waive veteran wide receiver Collin Johnson, who has been out with an injury.

Biggs adds that Johnson is healthy and expected to be re-signed to the Bears’ practice squad.

The 26-year-old receiver shined in the Hall of Fame Game against the Houston Texans earlier this month. Johnson had three receptions (six targets) for 56 yards and two touchdowns. 

The 6-foot-6 wideout has been sidelined by an injury for most of the preseason. However,  the Bears realize his talent and want to keep him within the organization. Johnson was competing with fellow veteran Dante Pettis for one of the last spots on the 53-man roster.

Chicago signed Johnson to its practice last October after the New York Giants waived him at the end of the preseason.

The former Jacksonville Jaguars wideout appeared in three games last season with the Bears, posting one reception for 11 yards. Johnson didn’t play many special teams snaps in the Windy City (5%), but has played a lot of snaps with the Giants in 2021 and Jaguars in 2020.

Therefore, if the Bears suffered an injury to their upgraded wide receiver unit this season, they could call up Johnson.

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