Bears Sign Huge Ex-Chargers Lineman After Losing Promising OL to Injury

Bears Suffer Setback with Bill Murray’s Injury Ahead of Cardinals Matchup

As the Chicago Bears prepare for their Week 9 clash against the Arizona Cardinals, the team has made significant roster changes.

Offensive lineman Bill Murray has been placed on injured reserve due to a pectoral injury, prompting the Bears to sign OL Austen Pleasants to their practice squad.

In conjunction with this move, long snapper Jake McQuaide has been released from the practice squad, as reported by Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

Murray emerged as an unexpected asset for the Bears during the 2024 season. Initially starting on the practice squad,

he earned a position on the active roster and proved his worth, particularly during the Bears’ Week 5 victory over the Carolina Panthers, where his performance was instrumental.

The Bears faced a challenge in Week 5 when starting left guard Teven Jenkins was sidelined with an ankle injury.

In his absence, Murray stepped in admirably, allowing no pressures, hits on the quarterback, or sacks during the game.

This stellar performance contributed to the Bears’ impressive 36-10 victory against Carolina.

Bears head coach Matt Eberflus praised Murray’s performance, stating, “He did a really nice job stepping in there from what I saw.

I’ve got to look at the tape, but it looked like he was physical, he was sound in terms of fundamentals.” Although he has only played 42 snaps this season, his contributions were significant, underscoring the importance of depth on the offensive line in the NFL.

Murray’s strong pass-blocking grade of 85.7 and run-blocking grade of 77.3 from Pro Football Focus highlight his capabilities in both facets of offensive line play. His absence will undoubtedly be a considerable loss for the Bears, as he played a vital role in bolstering the team’s depth this season.