Chicago Bears Waiver Moves Were Good But One Problem Remains

One thing has become clear about the Chicago Bears after the off-season. When Ryan Poles says he’s going to do something, believe him. He said he would build this team through the draft. No fewer than 12 rookies now occupy roster spots, including nine of 11 draft picks. Then he said the team planned to make further adjustments following final roster cuts. The Bears ended up claiming six players off of waivers, the most of any team in the NFL.

What made it even more important was that every claim met a roster need. Alex Leatherwood provides much-needed depth and talent for the offensive line. Armon Watts gives them a pass rush boost on the interior defensive line. Kingsley Johnathan is an extra body at defensive end while Josh Blackwell provides the same at cornerback. Sterling Weatherford is a great fit for them at linebacker, and Trevin Wesco is some solid blocking help at tight end. Every position of need was addressed.

All except one.

#Bears WR Tajae Sharpe (ribs) going on IR does mean he is done for the season, Matt Eberflus confirmed.

— Sean Hammond (@sean_hammond) August 31, 2022

The Chicago Bears still have questions at wide receiver.

Injuries have played a big part in their current predicament. Tajae Sharpe’s season is over, thanks to a rib injury. N’Keal Harry (ankle) and Byron Pringle (quad) haven’t practiced for weeks. Velus Jones Jr. is still nursing an undisclosed injury following his brief appearance in the preseason win over Seattle. Right now, the team has three receivers that can be called healthy: Darnell Mooney, Equanimeous St. Brown, and Dante Pettis.

That isn’t an ideal situation. One more injury to any of them and the Chicago Bears will be in full-blown crisis mode. They have to think about adding another body to the mix. Preferably someone with experience. Some big names remain out there: Emanuel Sanders, T.Y. Hilton, and Cole Beasley. There are also some budget options with upside, like Preston Williams, Malik Turner, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, and Chris Conley.

Maybe the Bears feel one or two of their injured options will be back shortly. Still, the margin of error is a little too thin where things stand. Poles has to consider making at least a minor move to shore up the depth.