As the 2025 NFL season draws nearer, the Chicago Bears have been hard at work finalizing their roster and making significant moves to prepare for what promises to be an exciting season. On August 26, 2025, the team officially made their final cuts to settle on a 53-man roster, releasing 11 players, including quarterback Austin Reed. This move, while necessary to trim down the roster, is also a reflection of the strategic changes the Bears are aiming for as they move forward.
The release of Austin Reed, who had been competing for the backup quarterback role, has garnered attention given the position’s importance. With Reed now off the roster, the Bears are shifting their focus to securing depth at quarterback. This is particularly crucial as the team looks to balance their offensive strength heading into the season. While the starting quarterback position remains stable, the depth behind the starter will be a key area of focus in the weeks leading up to the opener.
Beyond quarterback, another area of concern for the Bears is the running back position. Heading into the new season, the team is dealing with a shortage of healthy running backs, with only two players available during practice. This limited depth in the backfield could pose a challenge, as the team is looking to develop a balanced offense that can perform consistently throughout the season. To address this issue, the Bears are actively seeking ways to bolster the running back position, whether through free-agent signings, trades, or other moves. This position is vital, as a strong running game would complement the team’s passing attack and provide more offensive balance, especially with a newly shaped team.
General Manager Ryan Poles and first-year head coach Ben Johnson are working closely together to ensure that the Bears are competitive in their inaugural season under their leadership. The two have a shared vision of building a team that is capable of competing in the tough NFC North division and beyond. This collaboration is especially important as they work to implement new systems on both offense and defense. With both Poles and Johnson looking to make their mark on the franchise, every decision made in the lead-up to the season is crucial.
The release of 11 players is a reflection of the tough decisions that come with roster construction in the NFL. Each year, teams must evaluate talent, address team weaknesses, and ensure that the final roster represents the best possible mix of experience, skill, and potential. For the Bears, this season represents a fresh start with a new front office and coaching staff, giving them an opportunity to build a competitive team that can make an impact in the league.
With the season just around the corner, the Bears are focused on making the necessary adjustments to ensure they are in a strong position. The work that Poles and Johnson are doing behind the scenes is already shaping the team’s future. While there are still areas of the roster that need attention, especially at running back, the Bears are optimistic about their prospects for the upcoming season. Fans are eager to see how these changes will play out on the field and whether the fresh leadership will lead to improvements in the team’s overall performance.
The 2025 season is poised to be a turning point for the Chicago Bears, and with the right adjustments and a little bit of luck, they hope to position themselves as a competitive force within the NFC North. As training camp continues and the season opener approaches, all eyes will be on the Bears to see how they respond to the challenges ahead and how the new leadership will impact their journey toward success.