The Bears signed Tonges to a reserve/future contract Monday, Larry Mayer of the team's official site reports.
Tonges opened the regular season as one of two fullbacks on Chicago's active roster, and he appeared in three of the team's first four games before being waived heading into Week 10. He then signed with the team's practice squad shortly thereafter, and he was elevated for the Week 15 loss to Philadelphia. Tonges finished the 2022 season with one target while playing 16 of his 26 snaps on offense, so he'll likely compete for a similar depth/special-teams role during this offseason.
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Jake Tonges: Shifts back to practice squad
Rotowire
Tonges reverted to the Bears' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.
Tonges was activated from the practice squad for the first time this season Sunday against the Eagles, and he went on to log all seven of his snaps on special teams during this loss. The undrafted rookie spent the first nine weeks of the season on Chicago's active roster before being waived Nov. 10, and he has now recorded one target with zero catches across four games this season. Tonges will be eligible for two more elevations from the practice squad this season, so he'll likely continue to serve as the team's No. 3 tight end behind Cole Kmet and Ryan Griffin if Trevon Wesco (calf) remains out Week 16 versus Buffalo.
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Jake Tonges: Gets waived by Bears
Rotowire
The Bears waived Tonges on Thursday, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.
Tonges was dropped by the Bears after serving as a healthy scratch in each of the last two games. The tight end will now go through waivers, and if he's unclaimed, he'll become a free agent. Tonges' absence shouldn't affect Chicago's offense going forward.
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Bears' Jake Tonges: Won't suit up Sunday
Rotowire
Tonges (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's matchup against the Cowboys.
Tonges appeared in three of the first four games of the season, but despite being healthy, he hasn't see the field since Week 4. His next chance to suit up will come Nov. 6 against the Dolphins.
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Bears' Jake Tonges: Posts no stats
Rotowire
Tonges was targeted once in the Bears' 23-20 win over the Texans on Sunday.
With Ryan Griffin (Achilles) missing the matchup against Houston, Tonges had an increased role in the offense, but it didn't translate into any fantasy points. He'll likely retain a minor role in the offense if Griffin misses additional time.
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Bears' Jake Tonges: Earns roster spot
Rotowire
Tonges is one of two fullbacks on the Bears' 53-man roster, according to the team's official site.
Tonges projects to be the second-string fullback behind Khari Blasingame. He'll likely be used primarily as a blocker when the Bears use heavy personnel sets. It would seem improbable for him to handle as many as 15 carries on the season.
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Bears' Jake Tonges: Scores touchdown
Rotowire
Tonges caught a two-yard touchdown on his only target in the Bears' 27-11 preseason win over the Seahawks' on Thursday.
Tonges was used in the Bears' goal-line package with the second-string offense. He broke free at the goal line to catch the scoring pass from Trevor Siemian. He's competing for a roster spot, as it seems unlikely he'll move past Ryan Griffin and James O'Shaughnessy on the depth chart for the No. 3 tight end role.
