The Chicago Bears have added former Detroit Lions linebacker and special teams standout Jalen Reeves-Maybin to their practice squad ahead of Week 12, as they prepare to face the Pittsburgh Steelers. The move comes after the team released wide receiver Miles Boykin last week.
Reeves-Maybin, originally a fourth-round selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, spent eight seasons with Detroit, tallying 221 tackles in 114 games, 51 of which came on special teams. His standout performance on special teams in 2023 earned him Pro Bowl recognition and second-team All-Pro honors, leading to a contract extension that made him the league’s top-paid core special teams player. However, he was released in March 2025 as a salary-cap casualty following a neck injury that sidelined him for seven games during the 2024 season. Notably, Reeves-Maybin currently serves as president of the NFL Players Association.
While Reeves-Maybin’s signing doesn’t guarantee immediate playing time against the Steelers, he provides the Bears with depth at linebacker as veteran T.J. Edwards continues to recover from multiple injuries.
Edwards’ Status Remains Key for Bears
The Bears will release their first injury report for Week 12 after Wednesday’s practice. Edwards, who missed the Week 11 victory over the Vikings, has been sidelined due to hand and hamstring injuries. The hamstring issue has lingered since training camp and affected several early-season games. Edwards also recently underwent surgery to repair a broken hand but is expected to play with a protective cast if cleared.
Whether Edwards will be available against the Steelers largely depends on the status of his hamstring. If he cannot play, Reeves-Maybin or other practice squad linebackers, such as Carl Jones Jr., could see a promotion. The Bears may also need additional support if strongside linebacker Noah Sewell, who was shaken up against the Vikings, appears on the injury report.
Potential Impact on Special Teams
Even if Edwards returns, Reeves-Maybin could be promoted later to contribute on special teams, where he has extensive experience. Chicago already has high-paid special teams contributors in cornerback Josh Blackwell and linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga, but Reeves-Maybin brings additional value with a proven ability to make plays, including leading the league in special teams tackles in 2023 and running fake punt plays.
Defensive end Daniel Hardy and defensive back Jonathan Owens have also excelled on coverage units this season, with 13 and 12 special teams tackles, respectively, ranking fifth and ninth in the league. Reeves-Maybin’s presence could further strengthen the Bears’ special teams unit moving forward.
