The most surprising thing about the Bears’ new practice squad isn’t the name on the jersey, but the year on the clock. While a 2019 photo of Marcus Davenport still circulates online, the team has officially signed him to the 2026 practice squad list. This move brings back a former training camp darling to a roster that operates under very specific, often misunderstood rules.
Windy City Gridiron reports that 11 names are already secured as the Bears start signing players to their 2026 practice squad. The list includes Caden Barnett, Kyle Hergel, Salvon Ahmed, Scotty Miller, Kaden Davis, J.P Richardson, Stephen Carlson, Wayne Matthews, Marlen Sewell, Deantre Prince, and Marcus Davenport. Davenport’s presence is the twist because his public image often lags behind the current timeline, yet the league rules allow his return if he meets specific eligibility criteria.
How the Squad Rules Actually Work
Most fans think the practice squad is just a waiting room for rookies, but the math tells a different story. Windy City Gridiron states that a maximum of six players with unlimited accrued seasons may remain on this squad. This means veterans who have played for years can still hide out on the practice roster if they qualify. The league also caps the number of players with two or fewer accrued seasons at ten, leaving little room for error when building the group.
Eligibility hinges on game time rather than just draft status. Eligibility extends to individuals lacking accrued seasons or those who played fewer than nine regular-season games during their single accrued season. This rule protects young talent while allowing teams to stash experienced players like Davenport who might have missed time due to injury or roster cuts. The flexibility helps the Bears keep depth without breaking the salary cap.
What Happens When They Play
The real drama starts on game day when these players get called up to the main roster. While two practice squad members can be elevated per game, each appearance chips away at a running tally that follows the player all season long, not just for that Sunday. After the game, the elevated player reverts to the practice squad immediately, unless the team decides to make a permanent change. Although a player may be elevated three times, the team must promote him to the 53-man active roster if he is required beyond that limit.
This rule forces coaches to make hard choices before the season gets too long. If a player like Davenport gets elevated three times and the team still needs him, they have to find a spot on the active list. The alternative is losing him for good. Practice squad members function as free agents and can join another team’s active roster whenever they wish. The current club cannot prevent a player’s departure; it may only present a counteroffer to retain him. When a player is signed by a new team, that team must retain him on its 53-man roster for three weeks.
The 17th player spot remains a wildcard for the Bears to use. An additional 17th player is allowed provided he meets the criteria for the NFL’s International Pathway Program. This unique slot lets the team add global talent that might not fit the standard roster rules. With the initial 11 signed, the Bears now have a clear path to fill that final spot if they find a player who fits the international criteria.
