Bears sign Sam Roberts to practice squad, expected to be used in Week 1

As NFL rosters continue to shift on Wednesday, the Chicago Bears have made a change to their defensive line. They've signed former New England Patriots defensive lineman Sam Roberts to the practice squad, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

In New England's preseason finale against the Washington Commanders, Roberts totaled eight tackles, giving him 10 total this preseason. The former 2022 sixth-round pick played in 12 games with the Patriots, including one start, and totaling seven tackles in his pro career.

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune followed up with an explanation for Roberts' addition and how it relates to the availability of defensive tackle Zacch Pickens, who's in doubt for the start of the regular season as he battles a groin injury. It appeared that Pickens avoided serious injury when the team did not have to place him on injured reserve as part of their initial 53-man roster. As he continues to battle with a groin injury, the Bears addressed their depth at the defensive tackle position.

While Roberts was only signed to the practice squad, Schefter said the intention is he'll be called upon for the Week 1 opener against the Tennessee Titans if Pickens is forced to miss any regular season action if he suffers a setback in his return from his groin injury.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears sign Sam Roberts to practice squad, expected to be used Week 1