Chicago Bears Add Former Packers Defensive End After Losing Rookie To ACL Injury
The Chicago Bears have turned to a former division rival to address their depleted defensive end position. On Tuesday, the team signed former Green Bay Packers pass rusher Jonathan Garvin to their practice squad, a move aimed at adding depth following a series of injuries to their defensive line.
Chicago Bears Getting Reinforcements
The signing comes at a critical time for the Bears. During their Week 8 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the defensive end group took two significant hits. Second-round rookie Shemar Turner suffered a season-ending ACL tear, while key rotational player Dominique Robinson sustained a high-ankle sprain that will sideline him for several weeks. These injuries created an immediate need for reinforcements, prompting the Bears to bring in Garvin for a look.
Garvin, a seventh-round pick by the Packers in 2020, brings NFL experience to Chicago. In 38 games with Green Bay, he recorded 32 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He also recently played in the UFL, where he showed flashes of pass-rushing ability with 5.5 sacks for the Birmingham Stallions. While he is starting on the practice squad, Garvin provides an experienced body who could be elevated to the active roster.
More Help on the Way
Garvin’s signing is part of a larger effort to shore up a pass rush that has struggled for consistency. The Bears also plan to activate second-year defensive end Austin Booker from the injured reserve list this week. Booker was a preseason standout, leading the league with four sacks before a knee injury landed him on IR. His return, coupled with Garvin’s addition, gives the Bears much-needed depth and a potential spark. The team’s pass rush has been underwhelming, ranking third-worst in the NFL in pass-rush win rate, according to ESPN Analytics.
By signing Garvin, the Bears are adding a low-risk veteran who understands the NFC North. While he may not single-handedly solve Chicago’s pass-rushing problems, his presence provides valuable depth as the team navigates injuries and seeks to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
