Chicago Bears announce first eleven members of 2026 practice squad

The Chicago Bears have begun populating their 2026 practice squad, confirming eleven signings such as offensive guard Caden Barnett, tackle Kyle Hergel and wide receivers Kaden Davis and J.P Richardson. The roster remains fluid, with further additions slated for the coming days. Under NFL guidelines, the squad can include rookies, players with fewer than nine games in a single accrued season, and up to ten individuals with no more than two accrued seasons, plus a limited number of veterans and one International Pathway Program participant.

Each week, a maximum of two practice players may be elevated for game day, but a player can only be called up three times before the team must sign him to the 53-man roster. Practice-squad members are free to join another team's active roster, though the new club must retain them for at least three weeks. The Bears will continue to adjust the squad as the season approaches.