‘Hard Knocks’ Week 4: Bears Make Roster Cuts, Get Bad News on a Star Rookie

Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the rest of the Chicago Bears starters took a seat for the preseason finale and a backseat overall in the fourth episode of “Hard Knocks.”

The 34–21 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs last Thursday capped off an undefeated preseason for the Bears and doubled as a final opportunity for players on the fringe to make their case for a spot on the 53-man roster ahead of Tuesday’s cuts. The episode primarily focused on position battles at quarterback, running back and safety.

Second-year quarterback Tyson Bagent solidified his case as QB2 in Chicago in his first start since the Hall of Fame Game. He led a scoring drive out of the gate that ended with a gutsy rushing touchdown before ceding snaps to veteran Brett Rypien and undrafted rookie Austin Reed. Bears quarterbacks coach Kerry Joseph lauded Bagent’s play and said he had him as an “A-plus, 100% technique.”

Rypien and Reed both played well in relief, but Reed was waived and added to the practice squad Wednesday while Rypien was released.

Cinderella stories falls short

Veteran safety Adrian Colbert shared the story of how he was hit by a car when he was nine years old and went into a coma for two weeks. He was told he would never play football again, yet he’s been on 10 NFL teams in eight years.

Colbert made his presence felt last week against the Chiefs with a pass breakup and a quarterback hit. But even that strong performance did not earn Colbert a spot on the roster as he was among Tuesday’s cuts.

Rookie running back Ian Wheeler and third-year wide receiver turned running back Velus Jones Jr. have had plenty of screen time throughout the summer. Running backs coach Chad Morton has coached them both up as Wheeler adjusts to life in the NFL and Jones tries to make the transition to a new position.

“I’m on him all the time, just because I know his potential,” Morton said of Wheeler. “His talent, he’s ridiculous, you know? And he runs a 4.3 [40-yard dash], so I’m gonna get that out no matter what.”

Wheeler spoke candidly with offensive assistant Jennifer King during practice.

“I’m just trying to make sure I stick around,” he told her.

“You’re putting great stuff on tape, that’s all you can do, right?” King said. “Control what you can control, that’s what you’re doing, you’re doing a great job. Your growth in three weeks is incredible, let’s be real. I just don’t want you to hurt yourself. This is a critical moment for you.”

Jones, a third-round pick in 2022, earned his spot on the roster after a breakout game against Kansas City. He racked up 111 rushing yards on 13 carries and showed his breakaway speed on a 39-yard touchdown run.

Wheeler’s game didn’t go as well. He had a touchdown catch called back before he tore his ACL on a second-quarter carry. Wheeler was placed on season-ending injured reserve.

The episode ended with Wheeler speaking one-on-one with general manager Ryan Poles. Wheeler said he viewed the injury as a redshirt year, which will give him a chance to learn and improve mentally, and Poles told Wheeler how proud he and the rest of the staff were of him.

“My door is always open,” Poles said. “My phone is always on. If you wanna talk, if you wanna cry — whatever you need to do, I’m here for you.”

Next Tuesday’s episode will be the last of the season before the 2024 NFL season kicks off Thursday, Sept. 5. HBO will be sure to hit on the cuts that took place the day this week’s episode aired in the finale and give a last look at a Bears team that appears to be trending up.

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