![\"Bears](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/CTC-L-BEARS-BENGALS-081724-74_201773990-400x225.webp.webp\")
Bears cornerback Terell Smith celebrates after an interception against the Bengals in a preseason game Aug. 17, 2024, at Soldier Field. <\/p>\nExplore the Chicago Bears\u2019 latest roster moves, including the impact of Terell Smith\u2019s injury on the upcoming season.<\/p>\n
Bears cornerback Terell Smith celebrates after an interception against the Bengals in a preseason game Aug. 17, 2024, at Soldier Field. <\/p>\n
Photo Credit: John J. Kim\/Chicago Tribune<\/p>\n
B<\/strong><\/p>\n The Chicago Bears began their roster trimming process Saturday, placing cornerback Terell Smith on injured reserve and waiving six players as the team works toward the NFL\u2019s 53-man roster deadline.<\/p>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n Major Loss in Secondary<\/p>\n The most significant move involves Smith, a third-year cornerback who suffered a torn patellar tendon during the Bears\u2019 second preseason game<\/a>. The former fifth-round pick\u2019s placement on IR without a designation to return means he will miss the entire 2025 season, a substantial blow to Chicago\u2019s secondary depth.<\/p>\n Smith had carved out a role as a rotation cornerback for the Bears, providing valuable depth behind the team\u2019s starters. His injury creates an immediate need for the Bears to evaluate their remaining cornerback options as they finalize their roster.<\/p>\n The timing of Smith\u2019s injury is particularly unfortunate, as he was competing for increased playing time in his third NFL season. The torn patellar tendon represents a significant injury that will require extensive rehabilitation, making his placement on IR before the roster cut deadline a foregone conclusion.<\/p>\n Six Players Waived<\/p>\n Along with Smith\u2019s IR placement, the Bears waived six players across multiple position groups:<\/p>\n More Sports News<\/p>\n \t .wp-block-group__inner-container:has(> .embla), \t\tsvg { Linebacker Swayze Bozeman<\/strong> \u2013 The linebacker was competing for a roster spot in a crowded Bears linebacking corps.<\/p>\n Guard Chris Glaser<\/strong> \u2013 Glaser brought some NFL experience to Chicago but couldn\u2019t secure a spot on the offensive line depth chart.<\/p>\n Tight End Thomas Gordon<\/strong> \u2013 With the Bears\u2019 tight end room taking shape, Gordon was unable to earn a roster position.<\/p>\n Safety Mark Perry<\/strong> \u2013 The safety was competing for depth roles in Chicago\u2019s secondary.<\/p>\n Wide Receiver Samori Toure<\/strong> \u2013 Toure had previous NFL experience with other organizations but couldn\u2019t stick with the Bears\u2019 receiving corps.<\/p>\n Cornerback Jeremiah Walker<\/strong> \u2013 Walker\u2019s release, combined with Smith\u2019s injury, leaves the Bears thin at cornerback heading into final roster decisions.<\/p>\n Experience Doesn\u2019t Guarantee Spots<\/p>\n Several of the waived players, including Glaser and Toure, brought NFL experience from other organizations to Chicago. However, their previous professional experience wasn\u2019t enough to secure roster spots with the Bears, highlighting the competitive nature of roster construction in the NFL.<\/p>\n Glaser\u2019s release suggests the Bears feel confident in their offensive line depth, while Toure\u2019s waiving indicates the team is satisfied with their current wide receiver group heading into the regular season.<\/p>\n More Cuts Coming<\/p>\n These moves represent just the beginning of Chicago\u2019s roster trimming process. The Bears still have significant work ahead to reach the NFL\u2019s mandatory 53-man roster limit, meaning additional players will be released in the coming days.<\/p>\n The team must balance talent evaluation with positional needs, salary cap considerations, and special teams contributions as they make their final roster decisions. With Smith\u2019s injury creating an unexpected hole in the secondary, the Bears may need to prioritize cornerback depth in their remaining moves.<\/p>\n Looking Ahead<\/p>\n The loss of Smith forces the Bears to reassess their cornerback situation just weeks before the regular season begins. The team will need to evaluate whether to claim a cornerback off waivers from other teams\u2019 cuts or promote someone from their practice squad once it\u2019s established.<\/p>\n For the waived players, the next few days will be crucial as they hope to catch on with other NFL teams or potentially return to Chicago\u2019s practice squad if they clear waivers.<\/p>\n As roster cut season continues across the NFL, the Bears\u2019 moves Saturday provide the first glimpse into how the team views its depth chart heading into the 2025 season. With more cuts inevitable before Tuesday\u2019s deadline, Bears fans will be watching closely to see which players make the final roster.<\/p>\n Subscribe to\u00a0On Tap Sports Net on YouTube<\/a>\u00a0and the\u00a0Bears On Tap<\/a>\u00a0podcast for more Chicago Bears content, updates, and hot takes!<\/strong><\/p>\n
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