Chicago Bears are crossing rivalry lines to enhance their receiving depth, adding a former Green Bay Packers wideout to the mix.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Bears have signed 2022 seventh-round pick Samori Toure to their initial practice squad for the 2024 season. The Packers waived Toure during the 53-man roster cuts on August 27 after a two-year stint with the team.
Toure’s time in Green Bay saw him catch 13 passes for 160 yards and one touchdown over 22 games. Though he primarily played a backup role behind younger Packers receivers like Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, the 26-year-old will now have a fresh opportunity in Chicago. His addition gives the Bears more depth as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The Bears’ receiving corps for 2024 already includes key targets DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze, with most of the target shares expected to flow through them. Chicago also boasts 2023 fourth-round pick Tyler Scott and hybrid running back Velus Jones Jr., both of whom add dynamic versatility. DeAndre Carter is also expected to take on a significant role as a returner.
As Toure arrives, the Bears are expected to add at least one more wide receiver to their practice squad before the NFL-wide deadline on August 28.
Collin Johnson Set to Return to Bears Practice Squad
While Toure’s arrival strengthens the Bears’ depth, there’s another familiar face expected to rejoin the team. According to *The Chicago Tribune’s* Brad Biggs, Collin Johnson is expected to return to the practice squad after clearing waivers.
Johnson was a standout during the Bears’ preseason opener, catching two touchdowns against the Houston Texans in the annual Hall of Fame Game. Unfortunately, an injury kept him sidelined for the remainder of the preseason, limiting his chances of making the 53-man roster. Now healthy, the 6-foot-6, 222-pound receiver is poised for a return to Chicago.
A former fifth-round pick by Jacksonville in 2020, Johnson brings size and experience to the Bears’ receiving room. Though he has only 30 career receptions for 388 yards and two touchdowns, his large frame could make him an appealing target for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Johnson’s presence could become even more crucial if the Bears run into availability issues with their receivers during the 2024 season.
Bears Place Dante Pettis on Season-Ending IR
Another Bears receiver, Dante Pettis, will not be joining the practice squad. The Bears placed Pettis on season-ending injured reserve during roster cuts, marking the second consecutive year the veteran receiver has landed on IR before the start of the regular season.
Pettis, 28, spent 2023 sidelined after suffering a preseason injury but was retained by the Bears on a one-year deal in March 2024. Despite having the option to keep Pettis on the 53-man roster and designate him for a mid-season return, the Bears opted to shut him down for the year, prioritizing other areas of the roster.
The extent of Pettis’ injury has not been disclosed, leaving his future with the team uncertain. Whether the Bears eventually release him with an injury settlement remains to be seen, but for now, Pettis’ time in Chicago appears to be on hold once again.
