Bears Reuniting With Failed Draft Pick Who Was Cut in 2023
By Cem Yolbulan
We are almost four weeks into the NFL season and as it is tradition, the injuries start piling up. The 2024 Chicago Bears are no exception. As players start landing on the injured reserve list, it opens up opportunities for previously cut players and free agents.
The Chicago Bears opened up a roster spot on their practice squad by placing defensive lineman Sam Roberts on the IR. They are also dealing with injuries to Andrew Billings, Zacch Pickens, and Darrell Taylor on the defensive side of the ball right now. Therefore, a move to add more depth on the defensive line was inevitable.
GM Ryan Poles decided to do so by signing a familiar face. Chicago's 2023 seventh-round pick DT Travis Bell was added to the practice squad, according to Bears insider Brad Biggs.
NFL News: Chicago Bears Sign DT Travis Bell
#Bears have signed former draft pick DT Travis Bell to the practice squad.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) September 26, 2024
When Bell was selected by the Bears last year, he became the first Kennesaw State alum to be drafted in the NFL. He wasn't able to make the final cut for the 53-man roster but was a part of the practice squad. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons off the practice squad and made his NFL debut there, appearing in two games. He was released in December and was claimed off waivers by the Bengals. He wasn't able to make the final roster for the 2024 season there.
Ryan Poles had previously spoken very highly of Bell. After he was drafted, the Bears GM had called Bell, "one of [his] favorite human beings". He raved about his passion for the game and how he would have a full-time job during the college season, would show up to practice after work, and play as hard as anybody.
Judging by the reaction in the locker room, Bell is a favorite of a lot of players. https://t.co/rGNdmvJLeq
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) September 26, 2024
These positive feelings for Bell reportedly extend past the front office as well. According to Bears reporter Zack Pearson, the locker room was very happy about Bell's return.
Whether Bell will be able to establish his NFL career remains to be seen but he will surely have a positive impact on the team judging by how everyone in the organization feels about him.
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