Yes, yes it’s perfectly clear that the title of this piece seems to show a naked fan bias. Maybe a part of that is true, but honest it’s not the majority. The Chicago Bears practice squad is no different from others. It’s a tool used by the team to retain young players who might serve a purpose during the season. Most often that purpose is to occupy roster spots of other players who are injured and maybe contribute on special teams.
For most practice squad players, that’s about it. However, once in awhile a team is able to elevate someone from there and that player becomes more. Much more. Keep in mind that guys like James Harrison, Arian Foster and Jason Peters were on a practice squad early in their careers. So it’s not crazy to think the Bears might have somebody good on their hands. It’s just nobody has realized it yet.
#Bears practice squad (9). Would assume TE Ben Braunecker will be #10 tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/AwVupx9zQ7
— Aaron Leming (@AaronLemingNFL) September 4, 2017
The crazy part about 2017 though is the Bears maybe, just maybe have not one but two quality talents stashed away on the squad.
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Bears practice squad “gamble” seems to have paid off
A lot of fans were apoplectic when news dropped that the Bears had waived wide receiver Tanner Gentry and outside linebacker Isaiah Irving. This was due to a number of factors. First was the overall status of both position groups. Cameron Meredith going down with a knee injury threatens to expose a lack of depth at receiver. Lamarr Houston injured his knee as well while Pernell McPhee has yet to practice after knee surgery himself at outside linebacker.
Keeping those two preseason standouts would’ve made all the sense in the world. Gentry, an undrafted free agent out of Wyoming, lit up training camp and had a couple big plays including a 45-yard TD against the Titans.
There was a genuine fear he’d be claimed via waivers if the Bears let him walk. The same goes for outside linebacker Isaiah Irving. The converted defensive end from San Jose State really came out of nowhere. He was a non-factor in the first two preseason games before exploding for three sacks in the final two. Most people never game him a second though leading up the draft. However, the scouts at Draft Analyst saw something more.
“Smallish college defensive end who projects as a designated pass rusher at the next level. Breaks down well, plays with proper pad level and shows fluidity moving in every direction of the field. Fires off the snap with an explosive first step, displays speed off the edge and possesses good change of direction. Fights with his hands, moves laterally with speed pursuing the play and gives effort.”
All of those traits have been on display thus far. His primary issue is strength. It’s clear he needs to get stronger. That will take time. Nonetheless pass rushers are hard to come by so seeing the Bears release him was hard. Still, it’s hard to argue with their decision. Both he and Gentry are safely on the squad.
This allows the Bears to continue grooming them. Don’t be surprised if both find their way onto the main roster before the year is over.
