Chicago Bears sign return specialist Dwayne Harris to the practice squad

Earlier today the NFL’s waiver wire indicated that the Chicago Bears released defensive tackle Terry Beckner from their practice squad, and now we know why as they’ve announced the addition of return specialist Dwayne Harris.

The 33-year old Harris will join their practice squad at a time when the team may be looking for another option at punt returner. Ted Ginn Jr. has looked out of sorts in that role since replacing Tarik Cohen, and Harris, with his 180 punt returns (10.1 per return, 4 TDs) in his 9 year career, could seemingly fill that role once he’s up to speed enough to be activated.

As a receiver Harris (5’10”, 215 lbs) has 77 receptions for 874 yards and 8 touchdowns in his career with the Cowboys, Giants, and Raiders, but it’s his special teams play that kept him around the NFL since 2011. Besides his punt returns, he’s brought back 163 kickoffs for a 25.8 average, with one TD.

The former Pro Bowler last played in an NFL game exactly one year ago and he finished the 2019 season on IR with an ankle injury. He spent a few weeks on the Texans practice squad earlier this season before being released on October 12.