The Chicago Bears returned to Halas Hall and the practice field for the first time in Week 1 ahead of their regular-season opener, with near-full attendance from the players on their 53-man roster.
They also saw a player they showed interest in this offseason choose an alternative and increasingly popular path.
Plus, amid their injury concerns, a new option has emerged.
Bears’ Mixed Injury Updates Lead News Roundup
D’Andre Swift & Kyle Monangai Participate in Bears Practice
The good news is that the Bears got several players back at practice, including two in Austin Booker and Kyle Monangai after extended layoffs.
There is a significant catch, though.
“Bears RBs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai were at practice today,” The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain reported on X on September 7. “DE Austin Booker practiced as well. No sign of WR Rome Odunze. Just a 40-minute practice to kick off Week 1.”
Swift exited practice early on Thursday of last week, with preliminary reports noting that he suffered a cramp. His quick return suggests that is indeed the case.
Monangai has been sidelined since August 16.
Booker returned to practice last Thursday after sitting out since August 20 due to a groin injury suffered in joint practice against the Cincinnati Bengals. Still, his ability to suit up is an encouraging–but still early–step toward playing in Week 1.
Odunze’s status is concerning just off the strength of his recent injury history.
However, that could also be reason enough for the Bears to have decided that it was best to play it safe with Odunze in what was a short and light practice on Monday.
The Athletic’s Dan Wiederer reported on September 13 that Odunze was expected to be fine following the scare.
New WR Option Emerges Amid Rome Odunze’s Absence
Odunze’s status could be enough for the Bears to at least refresh their running list of receiver options just in case, and a new entrant was submitted for approval on Monday.
“The Giants are cutting WR Darius Slayton, per sources,” ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reported on X on September 7. “Longest-tenured player on the team was near the bottom of the depth chart. Was set to make $13 million this season.”
The situation had trended in this direction for some time before the Giants pulled the plug.
“The #Giants are releasing WR Darius Slayton, taking on nearly $16M of dead cap over the next 2 seasons, including $10M of salary in 2026,” Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti explained in a post on X on September 7. “NY frees up $2.9M of cap space this season & another $10M in 2027. The $10M guarantee will be offset/reduced by any salary Slayton earns elsewhere this year.”
Slayton, 29, was a fifth-round pick by the Giants in the 2019 NFL Draft. He had 37 receptions for 527 yards and 1 touchdown in 14 games (12 starts) for the Giants in 2025.
He has a 296-4,435-22 career line and, per The Exhibit’s Josina Anderson, is drawing interest.
“Grateful for my time in NY. 7 years a Giant,” Slayton posted on X on September 7 in reaction to his departure. “Nothing but love for one of the most prestigious organizations in the NFL. Excited to see what’s next [hands together/praying emoji].”
Ex-Bears Tryout Heading Back to College
There has been a firestorm in football as some players who have turned pro, including some who have been in training camps with teams, head back to the college ranks.
On Monday, a former Bears tryout player joined the movement.
“Ex-Stephen F. Austin star linebacker Jaydon Southard is also set to transfer to Oklahoma, sources tell me and @BrodyLusk247,” CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported in a post on X on September 7.
“Southard, whom @GeorgeStoia had reported as a possibility for OU, is already enrolled in school and in Norman, per sources. Took part in NFL rookie camp with the Bears and Chiefs.”
Southard barely had time to have a cup of coffee in the NFL.
The question the situation presents is: when do players become professionals, the moment they declare themselves eligible or only after a certain amount of time at the next level? The legal side of this applies to certain players who believed they had run out of collegiate eligibility.
In an era of NIL and players who are often ridiculed for sticking around in college for various reasons, the lines continue to get blurred.
That is how situations such as this come about, in addition to the slow-moving legal process.
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