The Chicago Bears signed running back Demetric Felton to their roster. He will join the team after spending all of the 2023 season on the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad. So, the addition is not big, but he does fit into the running back room with a chance to make the roster.
Felton is not going to push D’Andre Swift, Khalil Herbert, or Roschon Johnson. Still, his presence does show us where the team wants to go with these runners. Felton was a wide receiver in college and is very much a pass-catching back. It is clear they plan to use these three in the passing game often this year, especially Swift who specializes in that area and was signed for big money this offseason.
More than that, the signing says plenty about Travis Homer and Ian Wheeler. Homer was on the roster last year, while Wheeler is a UDFA. Both were banged up recently and had to miss practice.
Bears add a depth running back for Pre-season games.
So, in one regard, the Bears had to sign Felton just to have enough running backs to get through practice without over working anyone. Still, Felton has a chance to push Homer and Wheeler for the fourth running back spot, and that likely would be a spot on the 53-man roster.
If it is not on the 53-man roster, then Felton could still catch on with the practice squad. Due to the injuries, he is going to get a chance this week. With the Hall of Fame game likely having teams going deep into the depth chart, the first preseason game of the season could be a great chance for Felton to display what he can bring, not only to the Bears but to teams across the NFL.