Bears Shake Up Roster: Bears parted ways with a standout player Just Days Before Titans Showdown

Bears Shake Up Roster: Bears parted ways with a standout player Just Days Before Titans Showdown

The Chicago Bears have decided to part ways with veteran wide receiver Dante Pettis just before their 2024 season opener against the Tennessee Titans in Week 1. According to Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune, the Bears released Pettis from their injured reserve list with an injury settlement on September 5, marking the end of his time in Chicago after injuries plagued the last 13 months of his career.

Pettis played all 17 games for the Bears in 2022, catching 19 passes for 245 yards and three touchdowns during the team’s rebuilding year. Though re-signed for the 2023 season, a back injury in August landed him on season-ending injured reserve. Despite offseason improvements to their receiving group, the Bears gave Pettis another chance in 2024, re-signing him after trading for six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen. Pettis impressed in the preseason with five catches for 98 yards and two touchdowns but was sidelined again due to injury.

Since the Bears placed Pettis on injured reserve before the final roster cuts and didn’t designate him for return, they faced two options: keep him on IR for the season or release him with an injury settlement. They chose the latter, making Pettis a free agent, though his health status remains uncertain.

DeAndre Carter Replaces Value Lost With Dante Pettis

Pettis’ two-touchdown performance in the preseason strengthened his case for a spot on the 53-man roster, but the Bears may have opted to go a different route regardless. Veteran wide receiver DeAndre Carter had taken over the punt return duties, making him a strong competitor for the role.

Though Carter, at 31, is older than the 28-year-old Pettis, his experience as both a receiver and returner gave him an edge. Over his first six seasons, Carter amassed 108 receptions and returned over 115 punts and kickoffs, making him a top contender for the punt return job. When Pettis landed on injured reserve, the Bears chose Carter and his 9.7-yard career punt return average. However, Carter may have secured the job even if Pettis had remained healthy, as Pettis struggled during the preseason, returning only two punts for minus-3 yards and muffing one for a turnover.

Carter, on the other hand, returned three punts for 25 yards, though he also muffed one. The Bears will likely remain flexible at the position if Carter falters during the regular season, but for now, they seem to have found a better solution than Pettis.

Bears Have Plenty of WR Depth Heading into 2024

While Pettis’ departure is noteworthy due to his tenure with the Bears since 2022, the team should be well-equipped at wide receiver without him. Heading into the 2024 season, Chicago boasts one of its strongest wide receiver trios ever, featuring D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and first-round rookie Rome Odunze, all expected to contribute significantly to the offense. Additionally, 2023 fourth-round pick Tyler Scott is poised to make a leap in his second year as a deep-threat option.

Beyond their top four receivers, the Bears have Velus Jones Jr., who now functions as both a running back and receiver, and DeAndre Carter, adding further depth. If they remain healthy, this group should suffice. However, should injuries arise, the Bears can turn to preseason standout Collin Johnson or former Packers draft pick Samori Toure, both of whom are on the practice squad.

Given their depth, the Bears are unlikely to feel the absence of Pettis.