Insider: Bears rookie to miss 2024 season due to injury

The Chicago Bears received bad news on Saturday.

Chicago signed undrafted rookie running back Ian Wheeler this spring and he has been battling for a spot on the roster. Unfortunately, he will miss the entire 2024 season as he was placed on the injured list on Saturday after suffering a torn ACL in the final preseason game on Thursday, according to Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune.

“Bears' undrafted rookie (running back) Ian Wheeler will be placed on the injured list after suffering a torn ACL,” Wiederer said.

It's unclear if Wheeler would have made the Bears' active roster, but now he's out of a chance to show what he can do. He played college football at Howard University and had nearly 1,200 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns over the course of his career. He was also a successful return specialist in college.

The Bears have a lot of good stuff going for them this season, and their offense has seen a huge boost. Chicago signed rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze. The Bears also signed Keenan Allen and D'Andre Swift. Wheeler likely wouldn't have played a big role in the offense if Swift had been in town, but he might have earned a backup or return role.

It's unclear what might have happened, but hopefully he will make a full recovery and be able to compete for a spot on the roster next year when his knee has healed.

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