The Chicago Bears made another tweak to their practice squad on Sunday, signing running back Brittain Brown and releasing linebacker Dominique Hampton in a corresponding move. It’s a small transaction on the surface, but it adds another layer to a practice squad that’s quietly become a mix of developmental upside and NFL experience.
For Brown, this marks yet another chapter in what’s been a winding NFL journey. The 27-year-old was originally a seventh-round pick by the Raiders back in 2022 after a solid college career at UCLA.
He signed a standard four-year rookie deal but didn’t stick in Vegas long-term. After being waived following training camp in 2024, Brown spent time with the Seahawks’ practice squad before being released earlier this year.
The Bears brought him in during the preseason and have kept him in the mix, moving him on and off the roster throughout the season.
Now back in the fold, Brown joins a practice squad that already features a few intriguing names, including wide receivers Maurice Alexander and JP Richardson, tight ends Stephen Carlson and Qadir Ismail, and offensive linemen Jordan McFadden and Royce Newman. Injuries have sidelined a couple of others-OL Ricky Stromberg and TE Nikola Kalinic-but overall, it’s a group that gives the Bears flexibility to plug depth gaps and develop talent behind the scenes.
Brown’s addition is notable because of what he brings stylistically. At 6-foot-1 and around 205 pounds, he’s a physical back who runs with purpose and can contribute on special teams-two traits that coaches value when evaluating practice squad call-ups.
He’s played in six career games, so while his on-field résumé is limited, he’s not a complete unknown. That kind of experience can matter late in the season, especially if injuries pile up or the Bears want to evaluate depth options in live action.
As for Dominique Hampton, his release clears the way for Brown’s return. The rookie linebacker had been with the practice squad since earlier this season but hadn’t cracked the active roster. With several other linebackers still in the fold-like Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Jonathan Garvin, and Jeremiah Martin-the Bears appear to be prioritizing depth at other positions for now.
At this point in the season, practice squad moves may not grab headlines, but they’re often reflective of a team’s evolving needs and long-term vision. For the Bears, bringing back Brittain Brown is a low-risk move that could pay off if he gets another shot on Sundays.