Chicago Bears facing tricky roster crunch upon injury return

The Chicago Bears are using their bye week to heal up for the second half of the season. Head coach Ben Johnson and company will also fully evaluate where the roster stands.

When they look at the defensive line, it’s clear to see how much has changed. All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons’ arrival has given the franchise an entirely different dynamic. Furthermore, his presence has helped unlock fellow defensive lineman like Montez Sweat and Daniel Hardy.

Soon, the Bears will see another playmaker join the mix in Dayo Odeyingbo. He is eligible to return in Week 11 against the New Orleans Saints, although it’s unclear if he actually will. Still, once his 21-day practice window opens, Chicago will be on the clock in terms of a crucial roster decision.

At least one player will have to be let go to make room for Odeyingbo. Who that will be is yet to be seen.

Chicago Bears must make crucial roster decision 

Defensive tackle Jayden Loving has been inactive all season, making him seem like an easy option to put on waivers. But they tried that strategy with Jamree Kromah just to see him claimed by the Miami Dolphins. Fellow defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg has received erratic playing time. Still, he is just a sixth-round rookie that the franchise was high on throughout training camp. Throwing in the towel means Chicago wouldn’t see the fruits of his development, barring he somehow sneaking onto the practice squad.

While end of the roster players may not make the biggest impact on gameday, the Bears want a bright future alongside their present. Odeyingbo’s return will throw a wrench in those developmental plans, via Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

“Unless the Bears want to go light at another position, they’ll probably have to put a defensive lineman on waivers to create a spot for Odeyingbo,” Biggs wrote. “The Bears like Loving and his developmental prospects, so they might think twice about waiving him and exposing him to being claimed by another team. Van den Berg has played sparingly. We’ll have to see”

“It’s possible they’ll wait until Saturday, Nov. 21, to make a move with Odeyingbo if he’s ready to return for the Saints game,” he continued. “Teams do that when they hope to slide a player back onto their practice squad the following week. The activity of a game weekend makes it a busier time for other front offices to consider potential claims.”

Odeyingbo still needs to get fully cleared before returning from injured reserve. When he does, the Bears will be forced to make a pivotal roster decision.

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