Wheeler appears as a practice-squad consideration, offering a potential gear to the backfield if Monangai or Johnson encounter setbacks. His path to Week 1 usage would hinge on roster moves and health signals, presenting speculative upside for fantasy players who chase late-round adds.

Wheeler was waived, leaving Chicago with limited healthy RB options behind Swift and Brown. His release heightens the urgency on bubble RBs and depth moves, especially if Roschon Johnson starts the season on IR, which could push Brown into a final roster spot.

Ian Wheeler winds up as a depth option and potential practice-squad candidate, with the tracker and media discussion highlighting how Chicago may prioritize flexibility on game days and in development.

Wheeler, returning from ACL rehab, showed pop with 26 carries for 100 yards and 2 TDs. With Bears keeping limited backs, Wheeler’s mountainous comeback story buys him some consideration, but special-teams value and veteran depth complicate his final roster fate. A quick waiver pickup elsewhere could translate to meaningful red-zone and goal-line carries.

Howard-era undrafted Wheeler returns to contention as a potential difference-maker in the Bears’ Friday lineup, with speed and pass-catching ability highlighted. If fully healthy, Wheeler could be Chicago’s breakout back in this slate, offering value with additional receiving upside.