The Bears have swapped one offensive lineman for another. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports (via Twitter) that the team has signed guard/center Kaleb Johnson. To make room on the roster, the Bears have waived center Jack Allen.
It’s a bit surprising that the Bears have parted ways with Allen, especially since they added the 25-year-old just last week. Despite just a week of practice, the former undrafted free agent out of Michigan State was one of the team’s standouts during their preseason opener. With Cody Whitehair, James Daniels, and Hroniss Grasu sitting out, Allen went on to play 48 snaps for the Bears.
Head coach Matt Nagy even lauded Allen’s contributions following the game.
‘‘For him to come in on short notice and for him to come in and play center, it’s hard,’’ Nagy said (via Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times).
Taking Allen’s spot on the team is Johnson, who will ultimately provide Chicago with a bit more versatility. The 25-year-old has yet to play in a regular-season NFL game since going undrafted out of Rutgers in 2015, but he’s managed to catch on with several teams’ practice squads. Johnson has had stints with the Ravens, Browns, Cardinals, and Chiefs.
Allen played against reserves.
The Bears have Larry, Curley and Moe running the front office so nothing dopey they do comes as much of a surprise.
Maybe they should hire you, wise guy.