The Chicago Bears are making moves. Honestly, if you aren’t keeping a spreadsheet of the roster at this point in the 2026 season, you’re basically falling behind. Today’s news isn't just about a single name hitting the waiver wire; it is about a team trying to survive a brutal postseason push while the injury bug takes massive bites out of the depth chart.
So, who did the Bears cut today? Technically, the "cuts" in the traditional sense happened earlier this week with practice squad reshuffling, but the big news right now is about who is out for the long haul. The Bears officially placed linebacker T.J. Edwards and offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo on Reserve/Injured. In NFL terms, being "cut" from the active roster via the IR list is often more devastating for a team’s chemistry than a standard release.
Edwards is dealing with a fractured left fibula. That’s a season-ender. Trapilo, who was really starting to find his rhythm at tackle, suffered a ruptured patellar tendon. It’s a gut punch for a Chicago front that has been surprisingly cohesive lately.
The Reality Behind Who the Bears Cut Today
When fans ask about cuts, they’re usually looking for the "fired" list. But in the high-stakes environment of January football, the roster churn is more surgical. To make room for the guys who can actually hit someone on Sunday, the Bears had to move Edwards and Trapilo off the 53-man roster.
To fill those gaps, they didn't just look at the street. They stayed in-house. Jalen Reeves-Maybin was signed to the active roster from the practice squad. This guy is a special teams ace, a Pro Bowler from his Detroit days, and someone the coaching staff clearly trusts.
They also brought in Nephi Sewell—yes, Noah Sewell’s older brother—to the practice squad. It’s a bit of a family affair in the linebacker room now.
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Why the Braxton Jones Activation Matters
While we’re talking about people leaving the roster, we have to talk about who came back. Braxton Jones is finally off the IR. He was activated this week, and none too soon. With Ozzy Trapilo out, the left tackle spot was looking like a revolving door of anxiety for Caleb Williams.
Jones has started 44 games for this franchise. He’s the anchor. Having him back is basically the "inverse cut"—it’s the addition that cancels out the loss of Trapilo.
The Shuffle: Practice Squad and Futures Contracts
If you’re looking for the actual names of players who lost their jobs recently, you have to look at the transition from the regular season to the playoffs. Earlier this month, the Bears terminated the practice squad contract of veteran running back Royce Freeman.
Freeman had been a reliable "break glass in case of emergency" back, but as the team shifted focus toward younger, faster depth, he became the odd man out.
On the flip side, Ryan Poles has been busy handing out Reserve/Future contracts. These are the guys who didn't necessarily "make" the playoff roster but are being kept in the building for the 2026 off-season:
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- Maurice Alexander (WR): A speedster who has flashed on returns.
- Alex Cook (DB): Depth for a secondary that’s been banged up.
- Joshua Miles (OL): Insurance for the front five.
- Theo Benedet (OL): A developmental piece the staff likes.
- Austin Reed (QB): Because you can never have enough arms in camp.
Managing the Linebacker Crisis
Losing T.J. Edwards is a massive problem. He’s the signal-caller. He’s the guy who knows where everyone is supposed to be before the ball is even snapped. Replacing him with Reeves-Maybin is a lateral move in terms of veteran leadership, but you lose that elite tackling production in the run game.
The Bears also have Noah Sewell on IR with a torn Achilles. It’s been a nightmare for that specific room. Signing Nephi Sewell to the practice squad isn't just a feel-good story; it's a "we need someone who knows the system and has the DNA to play downhill" move.
What This Means for the Divisional Round
The Bears are heading into a matchup against the Rams, and the roster you see today is the one they’re going to war with. There are no more "big cuts" coming until the season officially ends. Right now, it’s all about the 53 men who survived the win over the Packers.
If you’re wondering why the Bears didn't go out and sign a big-name free agent to replace Edwards, it’s because of the scheme. You can’t teach a guy the "HITS" principle in four days. You go with the guys who have been in the meeting rooms since July.
Actionable Insights for Bears Fans
If you're following the roster moves closely, here is what you need to watch for in the coming days:
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- Watch the Practice Elevations: On Saturday, the Bears will likely elevate two players from the practice squad for the game. Expect a defensive tackle or another linebacker to be the choice.
- Monitor Braxton Jones’ Snaps: He’s back, but is he 100%? If he rotates out early, it means the knee is barking, and the Bears are in trouble.
- The Jalen Reeves-Maybin Impact: Look for #42 on special teams. If he’s making tackles inside the 20-yard line, the roster move was a success.
The roster is a living breathing thing. Today, it’s a bit thinner on star power but hopefully sturdier at the tackle position. Stay tuned to the official transactions wire, but for now, the "cuts" are settled and the focus is entirely on Los Angeles.