DONE DEAL: Official! Bears sign top defensive tackle to 53-man roster

The Chicago Bears have signed a defensive tackle from its practice squad to the 53-man roster. Byron Cowart has been signed to the official roster. He’s already been elevated for games three times this season, so the team had to sign him to the roster, per NFL rules.

Cowart’s signing is also a corresponding move to tight end Stephen Carlson being placed on the injured reserve, as a roster spot was left open after.

IR Carlson didn’t play in last week’s win over the Los Angeles Rams and was placed on IR this week. The Bears have already ruled out defensive lineman Zacch Pickens again this week as he continues to deal with a groin injury. It’s the third consecutive game he’s missed this season. Before Cowart was signed, Chicago’s only interior defensive lineman was Chris Williams.

Cowart has one tackle in two games played this season, in Week 1’s win over the Tennessee Titans. He’s spent time with the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts the past three seasons. The Bears take on the Panthers on Sunday at noon CT at Soldier Field. As of Saturday night, Chicago is favored by four points.

Carlson didn’t play in last week’s win over the Los Angeles Rams and was placed on IR this week. The Bears have already ruled out defensive lineman Zacch Pickens again this week as he continues to deal with a groin injury. It’s the third consecutive game he’s missed this season. Before Cowart was signed, Chicago’s only interior defensive lineman was Chris Williams.