Chicago Bears make 2 waiver claims and sign 15 players to the practice squad

The Chicago Bears claimed two players off waivers Wednesday, one day after setting their initial 53-man roster.

They claimed cornerback Jaylon Jones and linebacker D’Marco Jackson. The Arizona Cardinals waived Jones on Wednesday, while the New Orleans Saints waived Jackson.

To make room on the 53-man roster, the Bears released veteran long snapper Scott Daly and return specialist Devin Duvernay. Daly played in all 17 games for the Bears last season. Duvernay is a two-time Pro Bowl returner.

Jones, 27, previously played for the Bears from 2022 through 2024, appearing in 41 games. He will help address some serious depth issues at cornerback with Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon still dealing with injuries. The Bears also lost cornerback Terell Smith to a season-ending knee injury last week.

Jackson, 27, played for Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen in New Orleans the last three years. He has appeared in 27 regular-season games.

Both Jones and Jackson are experienced special teams contributors and should provide depth in that area.

Bears assemble practice squad

The Bears also announced 15 additions to the practice squad: running back Brittain Brown, wide receivers Maurice Alexander, Miles Boykin and J.P. Richardson, tight end Stephen Carlson, guard Jordan McFadden, center Ricky Stromberg, defensive ends Xavier Carlton, Tanoh Kpassagnon and Jamree Kromah, defensive tackle Jonathan Ford, linebacker Power Echols, cornerbacks Tre Flowers and Mekhi Garner and long snapper Luke Elkin.

Brown provides needed depth at running back, where the Bears have dealt with numerous injuries. Richardson, a rookie out of TCU, was one of the first undrafted free-agent additions after this year’s draft.

NFL teams can have 16 players on the practice squad and can add a 17th if that player comes from the international pathway program.