UPDATE: Tight end Brenden Bates ended up being claimed by the New York Jets, according to the Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs.
"Bears did not wind up retaining TE Brenden Bates," Biggs said. "He was claimed on waivers by the Jets."
ORIGINAL: The Chicago Bears -- like the rest of the National Football League -- had to make some tough decisions on Tuesday.
Chicago had to cut down its roster to just 53 players after a long and interesting summer. The Bears have been featured on "Hard Knocks' and had plenty of players impressed. Despite this fact, the Bears couldn't keep everyone ahead of the deadline.
Two players who unfortunately ended up on the chopping block were tight end Brenden Bates and cornerback Reddy Steward. It sounds like both could return to the practice squad, though, according to the Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs.
"Sounds like there is a good chance TE Brenden Bates, who had 6 catches for 100 yards in preseason, will make it back to Bears practice squad," Biggs said. "Nothing confirmed yet but there was chatter around the league around him and they might just be keeping undrafted rookie from Kentucky.
"Would also expect CB Reddy Steward, the undrafted rookie from Troy, to re-sign with Bears practice squad. Steward had 2 (interceptions) last week at Kansas City. Got good run in training camp at the nickel position."
Both Bates and Steward impressed throughout the summer leading many to hope that they would land a spot on the Bears' 53-man roster. Unfortunately, they didn't, but if they do sign to the practice squad, then maybe we could see them with the Bears in 2024.
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