The Chicago Bears continue to get closer to the mandatory 53-man roster limit ahead of Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Bears have released backup center Ricky Stromberg.
#Bears are releasing OL Ricky Stromberg, per source. Stromberg is a former third-round pick with Washington.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 26, 2025
The former third-round draft pick was selected by the Washington Commanders with the No. 97 overall pick in 2023. This preseason for the Bears, Stromberg has played 99 total snaps at center, according to Pro Football Focus.
In those 99 snaps, Stromberg ended with a 61.4 pass-blocking grade, 68.2 run-blocking grade, and an overall grade of 67.9. He gave up just two hurries and committed zero penalties.
What do the Bears' offensive line look now after Stromberg's departure?
Behind starting center Drew Dalman, Ryan Bates has served as the backup center with the second-team offense. Bates has also played 99 snaps throughout the three preseason games and has graded well, according to PFF.
He finished the 2025 preseason with just one pressure allowed and ended with a 78.5 run-blocking grade, a 77.8 pass-blocking grade and an overall grade of 79.8.
General manager Ryan Poles traded a 2024 fifth-round draft pick for Bates last year. But Bates’ time in Chicago didn't start well, as the veteran offensive line was plagued by injuries and played in just three games last season. With a healthy training camp under head coach Ben Johnson, it's clear Bates has found a role on this team. He also offers positional versatility, having played both guard positions throughout his career.
Two other interior offensive linemen who likely won't make the active roster are guard Bill Murray and center Doug Kramer. Both were severely impacted by injuries throughout training camp. Luke Newman, a 2025 fifth-round draft pick from Michigan State, has taken full advantage of his opportunities and is also a player who can play all three interior offensive line spots. He should be a lock to make the team.
Stromberg's time in Chicago may continue even though he was released. According to CHGO's Adam Jahns, the “plan is to bring him back to the practice squad if he's not claimed.”
Read more: Caleb Williams wants to have 1 play back from Bears' preseason game vs. Chiefs
Stromberg is just the first of many moves the Bears will have to make to reach the 53-man roster minimum.