Ja'Tyre

Carter

The former fifth-round Eagles wideout did not have any NFL playing time in 2024 after a 7/41/1 debut for the Eagles in 2024. He spent the whole year with the Panthers practice squad and could have a chance to battle with lower-rung receivers like Brycen Tremayne for a roster spot in 2026.

Smith didn’t practice all week, but the Bears are still playing him. Meanwhile, CB Jaylon Johnson (quad), a surprise DNP on Friday is out. Also inactive for the Bears are WR Velus Jones (hamstring), S Dane Cruikshank (hamstring), TE Ryan Griffin (Achilles), LB Matt Adams (hamstring), and OL Ja’Tyre Carter. The only interesting name here from a fantasy perspective is Jones, who hasn’t played in any of the first three contests of the season and has barely practiced with a long-term hamstring injury.

Jones got in a limited session on Wednesday, but didn’t respond well and took back-to-back DNPs to end the week. He doesn’t look particularly close to coming back yet. Also inactive for the Bears are DB Elijah Hicks, OL Michael Schofield, DB Lamar Jackson, OL Ja’Tyre Carter, and TE Jake Tonges.

Carter (6’3/312) was a basketball standout who didn’t get started with football until his junior year of high school, causing him to be ignored in recruiting. His first-ever snaps at offensive line came after he had signed with Southern as a zero-star recruit. At that point, Carter’s physical tools took over. A long-levered athlete with strong hands and light feet for a big fella, Carter spent his time at Southern playing left tackle, but he is headed inside at the next level. In the few circumstances that he encountered sub-division players with quick feet and an assortment of counter moves, Carter could get crossed up. He projects similarly to Bears OG Dakota Dozier, who transitioned inside after getting drafted by the Vikings following a standout career as an FCS OT.