Yes, Austin Reed was indeed picked up and re-signed by the Chicago Bears after being released from their active roster.
Austin Reed's Current Status with the Chicago Bears
Following his release from the Chicago Bears' active roster on Tuesday, quarterback Austin Reed successfully cleared waivers. Just one day later, he was signed to the Chicago Bears' practice squad, ensuring he remains in the "Windy City." Reed previously played quarterback for the University of West Florida and the University of Western Kentucky.
His journey reflects a common path for players in the NFL who might be released from the active roster but are valued enough to be retained within the team's system via the practice squad.
Understanding the Practice Squad
Being signed to a practice squad is a significant step for a player like Austin Reed. It offers an opportunity to continue developing and contribute to the team.
- Development Opportunity: Practice squad players train with the main team, participate in drills, and help prepare the active roster for upcoming games. This allows them to hone their skills and learn the team's system more deeply.
- Team Depth: Practice squads provide crucial depth. If a player on the active roster gets injured or underperforms, a player from the practice squad can be elevated to the active roster.
- NFL Accessibility: Players on the practice squad are still part of the NFL. While they don't play in regular season games unless elevated, they are paid and are considered professional football players. They are also eligible to be signed to the active roster of any NFL team at any time (with some rules around protection).
Austin Reed's Recent Roster Movement
To summarize Austin Reed's recent team movements:
| Event | Outcome | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Released from Active Roster | Cleared Waivers without being claimed by another team | Chicago Bears |
| Subsequently Signed | To the Practice Squad | Chicago Bears |
This move ensures Austin Reed continues his professional football career with the Chicago Bears, albeit in a developmental role on the practice squad, keeping him integrated with the team's operations.
