Bears sign RB Napoleon Maxwell, place CB Michael Joseph on IR
The Chicago Bears made some roster moves Monday morning, re-signing undrafted rookie running back Napoleon Maxwell and placing cornerback Michael Joseph on injured reserve.
We have re-signed rookie RB Napoleon Maxwell and placed first-year CB Michael Joseph on IR.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 31, 2020
Maxwell originally signed with the Bears as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Florida International. But he was waived Aug. 2 as part of roster cut-downs. Now, Maxwell returns to Chicago as depth concerns continue to loom.
Starting running back David Montgomery suffered a groin injury in practice last Wednesday. He’s expected to miss 2-4 weeks with the injury, but there’s still a chance that he’ll be ready for the season opener against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 13. Although, the Bears certainly don’t want to rush him back.
The Bears haven’t made any moves in free agency with Montgomery’s uncertainty, which could indicate that they’re prepared to trudge on without him for the short time he’s expected to miss. While Tarik Cohen is a proven player, he’s more of a gadget player than a three-down back. The Bears do have former Oregon State teammates Ryan Nall and Artavis Pierce on the roster, and it’s possible they could see some time.
As for Joseph, Chicago’s bad luck with cornerback injuries continues. Following injuries to Tre Roberson and Artie Burns, that leaves rookie Jaylon Johnson and Kevin Toliver to battle for the starting right cornerback spot opposite two-time Pro Bowler Kyle Fuller.
