Bears Address D-Line Injury with Practice Squad Promotion

Zacch Pickens' groin injury means a chance for Byron Cowart to be elevated from the Bears practice squad and play in Sunday's game against the Panthers.

Zacch Pickens remains sidelined and as a result the Bears have elevated Byron Cowart to the regular roster from the practice squad. / Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

The Bears on Saturday announced the promotion of only one player from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.

Defensive tackle Byron Cowart was brought up through normal elevation to face the Carolina Panthers.

Bringing up extra defensive tackle help makes sense considering the injury to backup defensive tackle Zacch Pickens and also the heavy emphasis the Panthers place on running the ball with Chuba Hubbard.

BEARS AND PANTHERS: WHO WINS AND WHY

THREE KEYS TO BEARS WIN INCLUDE FLAG-FREE DAY

Really excited for the bears game tomorrow. Think the panthers defense is the weakest we will have played yet. Should see Caleb with extra time, and a run game that really thrives. Hoping to score more, but if they get 24 on the board again should be another W

— Illini Dave (@ILLINICHAMPIONS) October 5, 2024

Cowart, a fifth-round pick by New England in 2019, has been in three games for the Bears with one tackle this season.

 The 6-foot-3, 300-pounder has been in 39 total games with 14 starts for the Patriots, Colts and Bears and has 42 total tackles including five for loss, and one sack.

The Bears defense is currently allowing 3.0 yards per play on early downs when they have their Base 4-3 personnel in. Best in the NFL, per @NextGenStats.

The league average is 4.9 yards. pic.twitter.com/a5d18AzzD8

— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) September 30, 2024

Twitter: BearsOnSI