Chicago shuffled its practice squad for Week 1: Carl Jones Jr. was signed back to the practice squad after a brief 53-man stint, Powers Echols was released, and Kalinic, Manning, and Owens joined the unit, while Elkin and Garner were cut. Jones Jr. returns with special-teams familiarity and LB depth for Bears depth-chart planning.

These moves add veteran depth at TE/CB/S and LB, signaling a readiness to weather early-season injuries. Kalinic’s CFL background, Manning’s Oregon ties, and Owens’ 2023 Giants path bring varied experience, while Elkin and Garner exit to trim the roster. The Bears aim to keep flexible coverage and backup options on hand as Week 1 approaches.

Bears running back depth is a work in progress. Swift remains the focal point, with Monangai likely to share carries and Roschon Johnson handling short-yardage roles if he’s healthy. Poles hinted at two different back styles to keep Swift fresh, while injuries have left the room thin and reliant on signings or development from within.

With Monangai limited by a soft-tissue issue and Homer on IR, the Bears could pursue a back on the practice squad. Bieniemy’s coaching is helping Swift run with more balance and physicality. Chicago will lean on Swift in the Vikings game, but the backfield could still be a committee before reinforcements arrive.

Chicago Bears begin 53-man cuts ahead of Tuesday's deadline, trimming depth across RB, WR and OL as injuries at cornerback and running back shape decisions. Austin Reed and Ian Wheeler were waived, Tre Flowers released, and the club weighs bubble players at several spots as Poles pursues best 53 with practice-squad candidates in mind. A likely three-quarterback approach looms, while trades and special-teams value could decide the final cuts.

Friday night NFL preseason action features a two-game slate that could yield decisive DFS pivots. The New York Jets host the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife, while the Kansas City Chiefs visit the Chicago Bears at Arrowhead. The fantasy focus centers on Chicago’s quarterback depth, especially Tyson Bagent, with Bears backup Ian Wheeler also in the mix as a cost-effective dart. Patrick Mahomes and Caleb Williams are noted as likely to play in the Chiefs-Bears tilt, but usage could be limited. SportsLine’s Jimmie Kaylor provides the weekend’s top picks and stacks, emphasizing charting value and leverage plays for large-field tournaments. Monitoring snaps and game plans will shape Friday’s optimal lineups.

Expect Bears discussions to orbit Bagent as a potential value QB with a lucrative contract extension and a track record of accuracy in college. Wheeler is highlighted as a burst player who could contribute in both the run and pass game after a rehab-filled return. On the Chiefs side, Mahomes brings marquee upside if he logs meaningful snaps, while Caleb Williams’ inclusion adds intrigue for future fantasy conversation. In the Jets-Eagles game, rostering a value receiver or a contrarian stack becomes a viable way to differentiate lineups in a volatile preseason setting.