One of the earliest roster moves made by Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles following the hiring of head coach Ben Johnson is finally paying off with a game-day opportunity.

Wide receiver Maurice Alexander, who previously played in Detroit while Johnson served as the Lions’ offensive coordinator, has been elevated from Chicago’s practice squad ahead of Saturday night’s matchup against the Green Bay Packers. With two key wideouts sidelined, Alexander is set to see his first action of the season.

Alexander was the third player the Bears signed to a futures contract shortly after Johnson’s arrival, following Alex Cook and Josh Myles — both of whom are no longer with the organization. After spending the entire season on the practice squad, Alexander now gets his chance due to injuries at the position.

During his time with Detroit last season, Alexander appeared in four games and recorded one catch for seven yards. He was more productive during preseason action, finishing with nine receptions for 71 yards — second on the team behind tight end Joel Wilson and one catch ahead of wide receiver Jahdae Walker.

Alexander also made an impression with a highlight-reel touchdown in the preseason against Miami on a throw from Tyson Bagent, along with his longest reception of 18 yards. Additionally, he contributed significantly on special teams, leading the Lions in kickoff returns with five for an average of 24 yards and returning four punts for a team-best 7.0-yard average.

Special teams may again be where Alexander finds his earliest opportunities. With Devin Duvernay expected to take on a larger role in the receiving game, the Bears may lean on Alexander in the return game. Chicago will be without Luther Burden III, who is sidelined with an ankle injury, and Rome Odunze, who continues to deal with a lingering foot issue.

Alexander’s elevation is a standard practice-squad move, meaning he is expected to revert back to the practice squad following Week 17.
Primarily a slot receiver, Alexander relies on quickness rather than size, standing 5-foot-10 and weighing 173 pounds.

His familiarity with Johnson’s offensive system played a role in Chicago bringing him in. During OTAs and minicamp, he saw extensive early reps alongside players who later became starters, though his role diminished late in the preseason.

In a separate roster move, the Bears also officially added linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to the 53-man roster, a transaction that had been widely anticipated and reported earlier in the week.