Bears Release Safety Anthony Johnson Jr.
Chicago cut the former seventh-round pick from its practice squad as it prepares for a Week 8 matchup against Seattle.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Football
The Chicago Bears released safety Anthony Johnson Jr. from their practice squad, the team's latest roster move as it prepares to face the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night in Week 8. Johnson, a former seventh-round draft pick, had re-signed with the practice squad in September after earlier stints with other clubs.
Why it matters
The move reflects the ongoing churn of depth players on practice squads throughout the season, where roster spots are used to manage injuries and personnel needs. For Chicago fans, it signals how the Bears are managing their secondary depth heading into a prime-time game.
Johnson made four starts for the Packers during his 2023 rookie season, recording 23 tackles, three passes defended and one interception. In three preseason appearances with Chicago he logged seven tackles before the team's September practice squad stint ended with this release.
The players
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a National Football League franchise based in Chicago that competes in the NFC North division.
Anthony Johnson Jr.
Anthony Johnson Jr. is a safety drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft who has since played for several teams.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a National Football League franchise based in Seattle that competes in the NFC West division.
The details
Chicago released Johnson from its practice squad, ending a stint that began when the Bears re-signed him on September 9, 2026, after he had been cut during final roster reductions on August 30. The Bears had also placed him on the practice squad/injured list on September 18 before this latest move, which was reported by NFL Trade Rumors' Nate Bouda.
Timeline
2023 NFL Draft: Green Bay selected Johnson 242nd overall in the seventh round.
November 5, 2023: Johnson made his first career start and intercepted Brett Rypien in a Packers win over the Rams.
August 27, 2024: Green Bay released Johnson.
August 30, 2026: Chicago released Johnson during final roster cuts.
October 31, 2026: Chicago released Johnson from the practice squad.
Roadmap
Practice squad rules let NFL teams carry developmental players who can be elevated to the active roster, and Chicago's repeated moves with Johnson follow that established pattern. The release fits a season-long cycle in which clubs adjust depth players as injuries and game-week needs change.
The release opens a practice squad spot for Chicago's depth chart, which matters for fantasy managers tracking Bears secondary options. Johnson's departure leaves the Bears with one fewer developmental safety available if injuries strike before Monday's game against Seattle.
The takeaway
Practice squad moves like this one are a quiet but telling signal of how a team is managing its depth before a key game. Readers tracking the Bears should watch the secondary depth chart ahead of Monday night's matchup.
What happens next
Chicago plays the Seattle Seahawks in Week 8 on Monday night, the next scheduled event tied to the Bears' roster.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster moves, see Football coverage across the league.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
