Chicago Bears Roster Moves

Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

A quick recap of recent Chicago Bears roster moves:

1.) Bears promote ILB Jonathan Anderson (#58) to active roster

With starting ILB Shea McClellin injured (knee) and likely out for a few weeks (take your time Shea), the Bears are dangerously thin at the inside linebacker position with just three healthy players (Jones, Reynolds, Barrow). The Bears do have two rookie ILBs on the practice squad (John Timu, Jonathan Anderson) and they decided to call up Anderson on Wednesday. I was surprised when Anderson was released during the Bears final round of cuts as he stood out during the preseason. During the 4th preseason game against the Browns, Anderson had two sacks, forced a fumble, and had five tackles. Granted he was playing against the Browns 2nd & 3rd strings, but he flashed great speed, good blitz instincts, and the ability to cover backs and tight ends.

Despite his solid preseason showing, Anderson was a long shot to even make the practice squad considering that he didn’t start for TCU his senior year. In his defense they do run an unusual 4-2-5 scheme, so there were only two LB spots and one was filled by future 3rd round pick Paul Dawson. Anderson did start as a junior and put up solid numbers while excelling on special teams, which is probably where most of his value to the Bears will be at least this season. He’s an exceptional athlete with elite speed (4.51) who should be able to use his athleticism to make an impact on special teams. Anderson may get some defensive snaps on obvious passing downs where his coverage skill and solid blitzing instincts would play well and his lack of bulk (227 pounds) won’t be exposed in run support.

2.) Houston Texans sign DT Brandon Dunn

Defensive tackle Brandon Dunn was a surprise contributor late last season and looked like he had improved enough this year to be part of the defensive line rotation, but he was sent down to the practice squad two weeks ago. The Bears lost Dunn this week when the Houston Texans signed him off the Bears practice squad. I didn’t think much of Dunn when the Bears signed him as an UDFA last season, but he won me over with his solid play against the run.