The Chicago Bears are making roster adjustments during their Week 7 bye, signing a new long snapper to the practice squad. According to the team’s transaction report on October 15, the Bears added long snapper Jake McQuaide and defensive lineman Jamree Kromah to their 16-man practice squad. In a corresponding move, they released 2023 draft pick Travis Bell.
McQuaide, a veteran long snapper, could step in for Week 8 following an injury to Scott Daly, who was filling in for starter Patrick Scales. Daly sustained a knee injury during the Bears’ 35-16 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.
McQuaide, 36, has played 160 games with the Rams, earning Pro Bowl nods in 2016 and 2017, and later appeared in 21 games with the Cowboys. Interestingly, McQuaide also replaced Daly with the Lions in 2023 after an injury sidelined Daly mid-season.
How Soon Could Bears Get Patrick Scales Back on Field?
The Bears’ decision to sign Jake McQuaide to their practice squad suggests Scott Daly’s knee injury might keep him sidelined, though the team could avoid using McQuaide if Patrick Scales is able to return in time for their next game on October 27.
Scales has been on injured reserve since August 28 due to a back injury that required minor surgery. Initially expected to recover in about six weeks, Scales has not yet been designated for a return, though he’s eligible for activation whenever ready. With the Week 7 bye, the Bears have extra time to assess Scales’ condition and decide if McQuaide will be needed.
For now, McQuaide is prepared to step in as long snapper, but there’s a chance Scales could return before the Week 8 matchup against Washington.
Travis Bell’s Return to Bears Cut Short After 3 Weeks
The Bears made additional roster moves on October 15, involving their defensive line by cutting 2023 seventh-round pick Travis Bell and re-signing rookie Jamree Kromah to the practice squad.
Bell, who had rejoined the Bears’ practice squad on September 26, didn’t see game action this time around. Previously, the Atlanta Falcons had signed him to their 53-man roster in 2023, where he played two games before being released. Despite his return to Chicago, the Bears opted to elevate veteran Byron Cowart to fill in for the injured Zacch Pickens, leaving Bell without a chance to play. He now heads back to free agency, possibly parting ways with the Bears for good.
Kromah, an undrafted rookie signed by the Bears after the 2024 NFL Draft, initially spent training camp and preseason with the team before being waived. The Patriots briefly signed him to their active roster in September but released him without game action. Now, Kromah returns to Chicago’s practice squad, providing depth on the defensive line.
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