Bears Elevated Marcus Davenport From Practice Squad
The Chicago Bears promoted the veteran defensive end to the active roster ahead of their game against the New York Jets.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Football
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The Chicago Bears elevated defensive end Marcus Davenport from the practice squad to the active roster. This move provides the team with critical depth following a knee injury that forced Braxton Jones onto injured reserve.
Why it matters
The team required additional defensive support due to roster shortages caused by recent injuries. Davenport reunites with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who previously coached him during his 2021 season in New Orleans.
Marcus Davenport brings 25 career sacks to the Chicago defense, having previously recorded a career-high 9.0 sacks across 417 snaps during the 2021 season. He was originally selected as the No. 14 overall draft pick.
The players
Marcus Davenport
He is a veteran defensive end who joined the Bears in August 2026 after previously playing for teams including New Orleans.
Braxton Jones
He is a player for the Chicago Bears currently sidelined by a knee injury.
Dennis Allen
He serves as the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears and has a prior history coaching Marcus Davenport.
The details
Davenport will serve in a rotational role behind Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Austin Booker. The Bears originally signed the veteran defensive end on August 17, 2026, to bolster their front seven.
Timeline
Davenport was drafted 14th overall in 2018.
He recorded a career-high 9.0 sacks in 2021.
The Chicago Bears signed Davenport on August 17, 2026.
The team elevated Davenport from the practice squad on October 3, 2026.
Braxton Jones is eligible to return from injured reserve on November 2, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This roster move aims to stabilize the Bears' defensive front as they manage injury-related absences during the mid-season stretch. Successfully integrating a veteran like Davenport is vital for maintaining competitive balance within the division as the team pushes for playoff positioning.
Davenport will rotate behind established starters Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Austin Booker for the upcoming game against the New York Jets. His addition aims to offset the loss of depth caused by the placement of Braxton Jones on the injured reserve list.
The takeaway
The addition of a veteran presence like Davenport provides the Bears with immediate insurance during a period of injury-related volatility. Teams often leverage these mid-season elevations to maintain rotational depth and defensive pressure throughout the grueling 17-game schedule.
What happens next
Braxton Jones is eligible to be activated from injured reserve on November 2, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on the roster, visit the Chicago Football section.
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