LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — The Bears on Thursday signed veteran quarterback Nathan Peterman to their active roster, making them eligible to take advantage of an NFL rule change.
Starting this season, teams are permitted to dress a third quarterback for games without using one of the 46 game day roster spots. If a team's first two quarterbacks are injured, the third one can enter the game. The rule was previously utilized in the NFL from 1991-2010 before it was removed. It was voted back in after the 49ers lost both of their quarterbacks to injury during an ugly loss to the Eagles in the NFC Championship game in January.
Peterman, who was waived by Chicago on Tuesday as rosters were cut to 53 players, joins starter Justin Fields and undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent on the Bears' depth chart at quarterback. The Bears haven't publicly stated whether Bagent or Peterman will be the team's true backup quarterback.
Peterman, 29, has completed 53.1% of his passes for 712 yards, four touchdowns and 13 interceptions over 13 career NFL games. He played in three games and started one for the Bears in 2022.
Bagent, 24, was signed by the Bears as an undrafted free agent in early May after an accomplished career at Division-II Shepherd University. He threw for a Division-II record 17,034 passing yards and 159 touchdowns, the most ever at any level of NCAA football.
Earlier this week, the Bears also released veteran quarterback PJ Walker as Bagent landed a spot on the initial 53-man roster.
“Really, I just took to it as every single day trying to put my best foot forward,” Bagent said. “Trying to give it my all, trying to execute at the highest level that I know how to. Thankfully enough, that all has paid off so far.”
The Bears officially added receiver/returner Trent Taylor to their active roster Thursday morning. The team also placed left guard Teven Jenkins and center Doug Kramer on injured reserve as corresponding moves to clear roster spots for Peterman and Taylor.
The Bears also signed defensive lineman Deslin Alexandre, defensive lineman Daniel Hardy, offensive lineman Bill Murray and kicker John Parker Romo to the practice squad.
The Bears open the regular season Sept. 10, when they host the Packers at Soldier Field.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.