The Chicago Bears were forced to make a roster move Wednesday, signing running back Royce Freeman to a contract.
In a corresponding move, the team has put running back Deion Hankins on season-ending injured reserve, according to a press release.
Freeman last appeared in an NFL game in the 2023 season, suiting up for 14 games with the Los Angeles Rams. He has 1,792 career rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, making stops in Denver, Carolina, Houston and Los Angeles.
Freeman had briefly been on the Bears’ practice squad, but has not appeared in a game for the team.
The Bears have been dealing with injuries at the running back position throughout training camp, and they hit another speed bump in Sunday’s game when Hankins suffered a knee injury against the Buffalo Bills.
The Bears still have D’Andre Swift atop their depth chart, but rookie running back Kyle Monangai did not play against the Bills, while Travis Homer suffered a calf injury in the preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins.
Roschon Johnson has yet to take a snap during the preseason, adding to the thinness of the group during camp.
The Bears will wrap up their preseason against the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday, with kickoff set for 7:20 p.m.