Chicago Bears practice squad players most likely to make 2026 impact

The Chicago Bears have been diligently putting the finishing touches on their 53-man roster. But at the same time, the franchise must fill out their practice squad.

Those players may be afterthoughts when it comes to how the Bears are currently constructed. As it stands, they won’t even be active during gamedays. Still, Chicago wants as much talent as possible. If injuries were too arise, they need proper backup options in place.

No player on the practice squad is guaranteed to make a 2026 impact. They aren’t promised even a single regular season snap. But for some players on the Bears’ roster, their path to being active on gameday becomes much clearer.

Chicago’s initial 53-man roster likely won’t look the same come Week 17. There’s numerous scenarios where one or numerous of these players hear their name called.

Honorable Mention: Marcus Davenport, DE 

Marcus Davenport has clear ties to defensive coordinator Dennis Allen from their time together on the New Orleans Saints. In theory, if there’s one coach who could unlock the pass rusher, it’s Allen. And it is no secret that the Bears are in need of pass rush help.

But Davenport has yet to practice since coming to Chicago. He has dealt with a litany of injuries, limiting him to just 14 games over the last three seasons. Davenport did put up nine sacks with the Saints in 2021. But until he is back on the gridiron, it’s fair to wonder how truly impactful he’ll be.

Salvon Ahmed, RB 

Salvon Ahmed lost out on the RB3 job to Roschon Johnson. Still, the fact Chicago brought him back to the practice squad shows that he has a fan in head coach Ben Johnson. He will continue to learn the Bears’ offense despite not making the initial roster.

Johnson, the running back, was included in part because of his ability to block. He didn’t make much of a rushing impact in 2025, carrying the ball twice. Now healthy, the Bears will likely use him more often. But Johnson still has to earn his spot on the roster long-term.

If he is failing to live up to expectations, Ahmed is ready to step in.

Kaden Davis, WR 

The Bears carried only five wide receivers on their initial 53-man roster. Johnson, the head coach, has been meticulous in building out his WR room. But like Jahdae Walker a year prior, Davis was impressive throughout the offseason, earning his spot on the practice squad.

While Chicago is enamored with their current wide receiver crop, that’s still one fewer pass catcher they usually carry on their roster. If an injury were to arise, Davis’ name could be called. Furthermore, if Johnson wants a bit more firepower through the air, perhaps he turns back to the practice squad.

The head coach has proven he has no problem with UDFAs catching passes from quarterback Caleb Williams. Perhaps Davis is the next.

Caden Barnett, OL

In Barnett’s UDFA contract with the Bears, he received a guaranteed $277,500, via Courtney Cronin of ESPN. That kind of investment in an undrafted free agent shows exactly how Chicago thinks of him. He may be on the practice squad for now, but the Bears are still interested in his development.

Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson are locked into starting roles with Luke Newman and Jordan McFadden behind them. If serious injuries were to occur, the Bears could look outside the organization. Or, they could turn to Barnett.

The lineman still has an uphill battle to the gameday roster. But Johnson knows Chicago’s offensive line must be a strength and that Barnett may someday be able to contribute.

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