Byard (back) is active for Sunday's game against the Rams.

EDGE Analysis

Byard was initially listed as questionable to suit up versus Los Angeles, but he's managed to gain clearance for Week 4. The starting safety has played 100 percent of defensive snaps in each of Chicago's first three regular-season contests, recording 19 tackles (12 solo) and one fumble recovery in that span.

Byard (back) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams.

EDGE Analysis

Byard was a mid-week addition to the injury report Thursday, failing to practice that day, but he was upgraded to limited Friday and will head into Sunday's date as a question mark. The veteran safety has started all three games to open the season, recording 19 tackles (12 solo) and one fumble recovery on 100 percent of the defensive snaps.

Byard (back) did not participate in Thursday's practice session.

EDGE Analysis

Byard was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, but he appears to have picked up a back injury. Friday's final report will provide further context regarding his availability for Sunday's game against the Rams. If Byard isn't able to suit up, Jonathan Owens figures to be the next man up as the starting free safety alongside strong safety Jaquan Brisker.

Byard tallied 11 tackles (seven solo) in the Bears' 19-13 loss to the Texans on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Byard tied Tremaine Edmunds for the team lead in tackles against Houston. Over the last four seasons, Byard has posted at least 100 tackles, and this performance puts the safety on pace for that level of production after he recorded just two stops in the season opener.

Byard (undisclosed) was not listed on Chicago's injury report Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Byard was forced to miss practices for the first time in his NFL career due to what was diagnosed as a soft-tissue injury in mid-August. He appears to be fully healthy and ready to go for Week 1 against the Titans -- who drafted him in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft -- on Sunday.

Byard did not participate in practice Monday due to a soft-tissue injury, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Biggs notes that it's the first time that Byard has missed practice due to injury in his career. Head coach Matt Eberflus told reporters Tuesday that the injury isn't serious, though Byard will unlikely play in Thursday's preseason finale against the Chiefs. After being traded by the Titans to the Eagles in October 2023, Byard signed with the Bears on a two-year, $15 million contract in March. The 2016 third-round pick will serve as Chicago's starting free safety and work alongside strong safety Jaquan Brisker (undisclosed) in the secondary.

The Bears signed Byard to a two-year deal in March with the likely intention of replacing Eddie Jackson, whom the Bears released in February.

EDGE Analysis

Between the Titans and Eagles last season, the veteran recorded a career-high 122 tackles in 16 regular-season games. Heading into his age-31 season in 2024 and having averaged over 100 tackles since 2020, Byard should be in line to continue piling up solid tackle totals, making him a valuable IDP option.

Byard and the Bears agreed Sunday on a two-year, $15 million contract, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

In Chicago, Byard should settle in as the team's starting free safety as a replacement for Eddie Jackson, whom the Bears released in February. Between stops with the Titans and Eagles last season, Byard recorded a career-high 122 tackles in 16 games, but the historically ball-hawking defensive back recorded just two turnovers (one interception, one fumble recovery). Heading into his age-31 season in 2024, Byard's best years are most likely behind him, but his addition should still help bolster a Bears secondary that was often leaky in 2023.

Philadelphia plans to release Byard in a move that frees up over $13 million in cap space, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Byard joined the Eagles midway through the 2023 season via trade from the Titans, and he recorded a total career-high 122 tackles between the two teams. The veteran safety is still playing at an excellent level, but the cap savings made possible by his release for Philadelphia makes the move a no-brainer for the team. Byard should have no issue finding a starting role elsewhere in the league.

Byard finished the year with career highs in tackles (122) and solo tackles (80) in 16 regular-season games.

EDGE Analysis

Byard began the year with the Titans before being traded to the Eagles. Despite playing only 10 games for Philadelphia, Byard finished fourth on the team in tackles, recording 75 after the move.