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New Bears Playmaker Emerges After Terrific Preseason Week 2 Performance

Dante Pettis made a compelling case to make the Bears' 53-man roster after scoring two TDs against the Cincinnati Bengals.

By Jovan Alford

Aug 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) celebrates his touchdown pass and catch by wide receiver Dante Pettis (81) against the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter at Soldier Field.
Aug 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) celebrates his touchdown pass and catch by wide receiver Dante Pettis (81) against the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter at Soldier Field. / Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports
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The Chicago Bears played their third preseason game on Saturday afternoon, as they hosted the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field. 

The Bears defeated the Bengals 27-3, but the final score does not matter during the summer circuit as coaches are looking to see which players could make the 53-man or earn a spot on the practice squad.

On Saturday afternoon, the Bears coaches and fans got an up-close look at the Caleb Williams’ experience, which provided a few exciting highlights. However, Williams wasn’t the only player putting on a show in front of the fans at Soldier Field.

Bears WR Dante Pettis Shines in Preseason Week 2

Bears veteran wide receiver Dante Pettis made a compelling case against the Bengals on why he should be considered for a spot on the 53-man roster. The 28-year-old wide receiver led the team with three receptions (three targets) for 53 yards and two touchdowns.

Pettis’ first touchdown came in the third quarter as Tyson Bagent found the wide receiver inside the end zone on third and goal.

The veteran wide receiver put a nice move on the Bengals defensive back, who just let Pettis go right past him for the score. Then on Pettis’s second touchdown, Bagent hit him for a 25-yard strike down the sideline, putting the ball where only he could get it.

Pettis has an uphill climb to make the Bears’ 53-man roster, given the talent the team has at the top of the wide receiver depth chart. 

However, Chicago knows what Pettis brings to the table as he was with the club in 2022 (19 receptions for 245 yards and three touchdowns) and was re-signed last offseason. But the Bears put him on injured reserve last August and waived him in September due to injury.

That said, with Pettis being healthy this summer, he could find his way onto the Bears’ 53-man roster. He can be Chicago’s WR4/WR5 and help them on special teams as a punt returner, which he did for the club in 2022.

Pettis has one more preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs to make his case to head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.

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