Bears promote QB Tyler Bray from practice squad as backup for Titans game

The Bears promoted quarterback Tyler Bray from their practice squad Saturday and will use him as the backup to Nick Foles on Sunday against the Titans.

Bray, 28, has been in the league since 2013 but thrown just one pass in his career. He was with the Chiefs from 2013 through ‘17 when Matt Nagy was an assistant, and the Bears signed him when they hired Nagy in 2018.

When asked if Bray was ready for action, Nagy joked, “I hope so. Because he’s only been with [me] eight years.”

Nagy continued, “Tyler has been in this offense a long time and he’s grown a lot. He hasn’t had a lot of chances, per se, other than preseason. If Tyler ends up being the backup, he’s one play away — just like that... He’s worked hard to get to this point. He’s been extremely focused.”

Bray was one of five players promoted Saturday. Punt returner Dwayne Harris was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster. Nose tackle Daniel McCullers was promoted from the practice squad; he’ll help replace the injured John Jenkins.

Offensive linemen Badara Traore and Dieter Eiselen were brought up from the practice squad, too; they’ll provide depth for an offensive line depleted by the loss of center Cody Whitehair and tackle Jason Spriggs to the reserve/COVID-19 list and backup center Sam Mustipher out with a knee injury.

Mitch Trubisky, who began the season as the starter and would be the backup, is out with a shoulder injury he suffered on his lone play as wildcat quarterback in the loss to the Saints. Nagy said his injury isn’t serious enough to necessitate even injured reserve. Trubisky visited a doctor in Los Angeles this week who said he wouldn’t need surgery.