Breaking News: Chicago Bears Reinstate Former Draft Selection to Practice Squad

Seventh-round draft pick Travis Bell, who was picked up by the Atlanta Falcons from the Bears’ practice squad last year, has now returned to Chicago.

Bell, a player Ryan Poles, the Bears’ general manager, holds in high regard, is back with the team’s practice squad.

Originally selected by the Bears in the 2023 draft, Bell faced a journey after being waived and placed on the practice squad, only to be signed by the Falcons in October. Now, the defensive tackle from Kennesaw State has rejoined the Bears, as the team had to place practice squad defensive lineman Sam Roberts on injured reserve, though no details were provided about Roberts’ injury.

After drafting Bell, Poles praised him, calling him “one of my favorite human beings.” The Bears were impressed with the 6-foot-1, 305-pound tackle’s dedication and work ethic both on and off the field, especially during his pre-draft visit.

Despite Bell’s passion, he didn’t fit into the Bears’ defensive line plans last year, making him a free agent on the practice squad. The Falcons signed him in October, where he appeared in two games and recorded two tackles before being released in December. Afterward, the Bengals picked him up and kept him through training camp and preseason this year before waiving him during the final roster cuts.

The Bears’ defensive line is currently dealing with injuries, as Zacch Pickens missed practice due to a groin injury, and Andrew Billings, dealing with knee soreness, was limited in practice earlier this week.