Wednesday was Rob Housler’s first day practicing with the Bears, as the recently-signed tight end works to be one of a few next men up with Martellus Bennett placed on injured reserve with a rib injury.
Zach Miller, who was limited in Wednesday’s practice with a rib injury, and Housler will be the Bears’ primary pass-catching tight ends with Bennett — who led the Bears in targets (80) and receptions (53) out for the rest of the season.
The 27-year-old Housler worked out for the Bears last week and was signed on Tuesday, giving him a tight window to learn Adam Gase’s offense.