The Chicago Bears are set to give a former Detroit Lions player his first real opportunity of the 2025 NFL season, as wide receiver Maurice Alexander has been elevated from the practice squad ahead of Saturday night’s matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

Alexander was one of the first players signed by Bears general manager Ryan Poles shortly after the team hired Ben Johnson as head coach. The speedy wide receiver signed a futures contract following the coaching change and now gets a chance to contribute with multiple receivers sidelined.

With Luther Burden III (ankle) and Rome Odunze (foot) both ruled out, Chicago needed additional depth at wide receiver. That opened the door for Alexander, who spent most of the season on the practice squad.

Alexander previously played under Johnson in Detroit when Johnson served as the Lions’ offensive coordinator. That familiarity played a role in Chicago’s decision to bring him in during the offseason. While he eventually faded down the depth chart late in the preseason, Alexander made a strong early impression during OTAs and minicamp.

Last season with the Lions, Alexander appeared in four games and recorded one reception for seven yards. His biggest impact came during the preseason, where he finished second on the team in receptions with nine catches for 71 yards, trailing only tight end Joel Wilson. He also led all Bears wide receivers in catches during the preseason and recorded a leaping touchdown reception against the Miami Dolphins on a pass from Tyson Bagent.

Special teams could be where Alexander makes his biggest immediate impact. He led the Bears in kickoff returns during the preseason with five returns averaging 24 yards and also returned four punts for a 7.0-yard average. With Devin Duvernay expected to take on an expanded role in the passing game, Alexander could see action as a return specialist.

The elevation is a standard practice squad promotion, meaning Alexander will revert back to the practice squad in Week 17 unless he is signed to the active roster.

Listed at 5-foot-10, 173 pounds, Alexander is a slot receiver known for his speed rather than size. His knowledge of Johnson’s offensive system could give him an edge if he capitalizes on this opportunity.

In a related move, the Bears also officially elevated linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to the 53-man roster, a decision that had been widely expected.