Chicago Bears center Doug Kramer Jr. will finally be ready to play in a regular-season game for his hometown team. On Saturday, the Bears announced they had activated Kramer off injured reserve, where he spent the first six weeks of the season dealing with a thumb injury. The Bears also elevated cornerback Joejuan Williams to the active roster for their game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
We have activated Doug Kramer Jr. from IR and flexed Joejuan Williams to the active roster after re-signing him to the practice squad.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 21, 2023
Kramer suffered a thumb injury in the team’s final preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. He was designated to return to practice nearly two weeks ago but had yet to be activated on the roster until Saturday. Now that he’s back in the fold, the Bears have a plethora of centers on their roster, including Cody Whitehair, Lucas Patrick, Dan Feeney, and now Kramer.
The Bears are expected to adjust their starting offensive line for their game against the Raiders, and while it’s unlikely Kramer will become the starting center anytime soon, he’s now an added piece for them to consider if issues at the position persist. Kramer, a native of Hinsdale, IL, was a sixth-round draft pick in 2022 out of Illinois and missed his entire rookie season with a foot injury.
Williams, meanwhile, has played in one game for the Bears since he was signed back in September. With a few members of the secondary either out or questionable, Williams provides depth if they need it.