The Chicago Bears released defensive back Anthony Johnson from their practice squad days before a Monday night game against the Seattle Seahawks.
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The Chicago Bears have parted ways with defensive back Anthony Johnson, releasing him from the practice squad just days before their Monday night matchup against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
The move ends a short, injury-interrupted stint in Chicago for the 26-year-old safety from Iowa State. Johnson entered the NFL in 2023 after the Green Bay Packers selected him in the seventh round, appearing in a dozen games as a rookie with 24 tackles and an interception while contributing on special teams.
After being claimed off waivers by the New York Giants the following summer, Johnson added nine more appearances in 2024 before joining the Bears as a free agent this past May.
Chicago waived Johnson during final roster cuts in late August, then brought him back to the practice squad in early September. The team placed him on the practice-squad injured list on September 18 after an undisclosed injury, and he remained there until the Friday release without advancing to the active roster or playing regular-season snaps.
With the Bears’ secondary unchanged on the active roster for the trip to Seattle, the timing means Johnson’s departure has limited immediate effect beyond creating roster space. Chicago heads into the game with a 5-2 record under head coach Ben Johnson, while Seattle enters at 4-3 after a convincing win over the Chiefs.
The Bears’ week also included a trade for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Titans, a move the team made to bolster its front rather than its defensive back depth. Johnson’s release leaves him available as a free agent once more as the Bears turn their attention to Monday night.
For Johnson, the cut represents another transition point in a career that has included three organizations in four seasons.
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