The Chicago Bears are turning to a familiar face as they prepare to face the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17, with Thomas Gordon returning.
Gordon spent time with the Bears in training camp.
Tight end is one of the Bears’ deepest positions, but they have suffered injuries there like many other position groups. Bringing Gordon back adds another body to provide rest between reps and someone who knows the offense in a pinch
Bears Bring Thomas Gordon Back to Practice Squad
Thomas Gordon Returns to Bears
“#Bears are signing former @NUFBFamily tight end Thomas Gordon to practice squad, per a league source,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on X on December 23.
The Bears cut Gordon at the end of the preseason as they got into compliance with league rules. He logged 21 snaps for the Bears during the exhibition slate. All of his playing time came on special teams, per Pro Football Focus.
Gordon was a six-year contributor at Northwestern.
“Gordon played six seasons in Evanston, steadily improving year over year,” Northwestern Wildcats on SI’s Ryan Cole wrote in April. “In his final season, he finished with 27 receptions for 252 yards and one touchdown. Those aren’t overly impressive numbers, but Gordon is also an effective blocker. Blocking tight ends often go unnoticed by fans but not by NFL talent evaluators.”
However, just because Gordon never garnered a significant role in the passing game in college does not mean he is not capable.
“Gordon’s blocking skills are likely what’s getting him looks, but in Evanston, it always felt like he had more potential in the receiving game,” Cole wrote. “The 6-foot-5, 240 lb pass catcher is a big target and always seemed like a steady option when the ball came his way.”
Bears Deep at TE
The Bears have Cole Kmet, Colston Loveland, and Durham Smythe on their 53-man roster. They also have Stephen Carlson and Qadir Ismail–a former college QB-turned-wide receiver who has moved to TE in the NFL–on their practice squad.
The Bears’ offense relies on multiple tight end sets. So, they need to keep a surplus on hand in case of an emergency. They lost former practice squadder, Nikola Kalinic, who also spent time with the Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Rams, to an injury.
If all goes well, Carlson, Gordon, and Ismail will never see the field the rest of the way.
The Bears are still looking to secure the NFC North. They also still have an outside chance of earning the No. 1 overall seed in the conference. They must win out and get some outside help to earn that.