Bears 'Hard Knocks' fan-favorite reportedly released, per insider

There are plenty of good players the Chicago Bears have had to cut with the 2024 National Football League regular season under two weeks away now.

Chicago has had to make a flurry of moves already and it still has more moves to make before the Tuesday deadline. The Bears have to get the roster down to 53 players and made a tough move on Tuesday by cutting "Hard Knocks" fan-favorite Austin Reed, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

"The Bears waived QB and 'Hard Knocks' star Austin Reed, per source," Pelissero said. "Chicago now is down to two QBs on the roster: Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent."

Reed was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Bears after the 2024 National Football League Draft passed. He was dynamic in college at Western Kentucky and tallied 71 touchdown passes over the last two seasons. Reed racked up just over 8,000 passing yards over the two seasons at Western Kentucky. He also added 12 rushing touchdowns over the two seasons.

The young quarterback showed some flashes in the preseason for the Bears but now will hit the open market. There's always a chance he could return to the Bears on the practice squad, but it's too early to tell.

Chicago cut both Reed and fellow quarterback Brett Rypien leaving just Williams and Bagent on the roster with the new season kicking off in just under two weeks.

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