The Chicago Bears are still shuffling around their roster, adding wide receiver Collin Johnson to the practice squad and waiving kicker John Parker Romo in a corresponding move on October 10, per the team.
Johnson – a 6-foot-6 former standout at the University of Texas – sent a brief message in reaction to his new deal.
“Thank you God,” Johnson posted on X on October 10.
Bears Signing Collin Johnson to Flesh Out WR Room
Johnson caught 11 passes for 101 yards on 21 targets with the New York Giants in 2021. He spent the 2020 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who drafted him with the No. 156 overall pick in the draft that year. Johnson has 377 yards and two touchdowns on 29 receptions in his young career.
He is not just some washout, either. An Achille injury stunted what looked like a strong training camp last year.
Collin Johnson working his way back from an Achilles injury. He was having a breakout camp before going down last August.
A big if but he could fill a huge void at X receiver for the Giants.#TommysTakes #TogetherBlue pic.twitter.com/0oB1t9YS63
— Tommy (@TommyG105) March 18, 2023
Chicago could be in need of a bigger body at wide receiver on the active roster. They traded beleaguered pass-catcher Chase Claypool to the Miami Dolphins last week and saw Equanimeous St. Brown pick up a hamstring injury in their Week 5 win over the Washington Commanders.
In Week 5, the Bears face the Minnesota Vikings who will be without its best offensive player in wide receiver Justin Jefferson who was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.
Jefferson has had four 100-yard games in six tries against the Bears.
Johnson was one of seven wideouts to work out for the Bears, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 in Houston. The others were Kevin Austin, Trinity Benson, Jalen Camp, Danny Etling, James Proche, and Malik Turner.
Bears Getting Healthier
Last week, the Bears got Nate Davis back into the starting lineup and Teven Jenkins active, leaving them down to just one injured lineman – left tackle Braxton Jones – missing in action as he remains on injured reserve.
This week, they are getting back Jaylon Johnson, per the player himself, as well as fellow corner Kyler Gordon.
Gordon has been out since breaking his hand in the season opener.
There is also a chance the Bears get safety Eddie Jackson back too. Jackson is the longest-tenured Bears defender and third longest-tenured player on the roster. He is also a two-time former Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro. His 2022 season was also interrupted due to a foot injury.
Schedule Breaks Bears’ Way
The Bears’ schedule opens up considerably after a tumultuous start to the season. They will play at home for the next two weeks and in three of their next five outings. Only one of their opponents in that stretch – the New Orleans Saints – has a record above .500 this year.
They will also play host to the 0-5 Carolina Panthers, giving them direct influence on the 2024 first-round pick they are owed.
There are still more than a few questions and challenges for them to face and answer. But they have a real opportunity to shake off their rough start and prove the bravado they showed this offseason was warranted. Last Thursday’s win was a good start. But the schedule will tighten up again. They will still face the Los Angeles Chargers in this upcoming stretch (Week 8).
And the Detroit Lions are sure to be raring to go with David Montgomery in top form this season.
The Bears will need to show that kind of performance on both sides of the ball more consistently if they want to keep up the momentum.