The Chicago Bears made a series of roster moves ahead of Sunday’s game that shuffle the secondary and defensive line while offering short-term depth from the practice squad.
Key transactions
The club announced it has activated defensive back Kyler Gordon from Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP), signed defensive back Nick McCloud to the active roster and placed defensive lineman Dayo Odeyingbo on Reserve/Injured. The team also released defensive back Xavier Woods and elevated linebacker Buddy Johnson and running back Zavier Scott from the practice squad as standard gameday elevations for Sunday’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
- Kyler Gordon returned to the active roster after time on Reserve/PUP.
- Nick McCloud signed to the active roster after a stint on the practice squad.
- Dayo Odeyingbo was moved to Reserve/Injured.
- Xavier Woods was released from the roster.
- Buddy Johnson and Zavier Scott were elevated from the practice squad for the game.
What Gordon’s return means
Gordon, a second-round pick by Chicago in 2022, has appeared in 45 career games and made 35 starts with the Bears through the 2022-25 seasons, including both postseason games in 2025. His résumé with Chicago includes five career interceptions, 17 passes defended, 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and 10 tackles for loss. Gordon posted a career-high 75 tackles in 2024 while starting 13 of 15 games and finished that year tied for the team lead with three fumble recoveries.
His return restores an experienced presence to the Bears’ defensive backfield. Gordon’s history of starts and production — including First-Team All-Pac-12 recognition in college — gives the club a veteran option as it navigates lineup changes and injuries.
McCloud’s role and recent history
Nick McCloud rejoined the organization this year, originally signing to the practice squad before Week 3 and contributing in a Week 4 win over the New York Jets. McCloud has logged 64 career regular-season games with 20 starts, including 15 appearances and four starts with Chicago last season. He started in the secondary during the Bears’ NFC Wild Card Round victory over Green Bay in the 2025 postseason.
In addition to his time with the Bears, McCloud entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Buffalo Bills in 2021 and has had stops elsewhere in the NFL. His familiarity with the team’s schemes and recent game action likely influenced the decision to elevate him to the active roster.
Defensive front impact and Odeyingbo
Placing Dayo Odeyingbo on Reserve/Injured removes a defensive-line rotation candidate from availability. The team did not provide specific injury details or a timeline for Odeyingbo’s return in the announcement. The move narrows depth up front and could affect the Bears’ rotation in the trenches as they face the Falcons and move through the coming weeks of the schedule.
The roster change also created the corresponding roster opening that allowed McCloud to be signed and Gordon to be activated.
| Transaction | Player |
|---|---|
| Activated from Reserve/PUP | Kyler Gordon |
| Signed to active roster | Nick McCloud |
| Placed on Reserve/Injured | Dayo Odeyingbo |
| Released | Xavier Woods |
| Practice-squad elevations (game day) | Buddy Johnson, Zavier Scott |
Per NFL practice-squad elevation rules, Johnson and Scott will revert to the practice squad after the game unless the club makes further roster moves. The elevations are standard short-term measures to supplement the 53-man roster on game day.
What to watch next
Chicago’s defensive back group will likely see increased competition and rotation with Gordon back and McCloud active. How the team replaces or adjusts for Odeyingbo’s absence up front will be a near-term storyline, particularly for a defensive front that has mixed availability and depth. The Bears will provide additional injury and roster information as the week progresses and following Sunday’s game.
These moves come as the Bears attempt to stabilize personnel while navigating injuries and roster needs through the regular season.
