When the Chicago Bears take on the New Orleans Saints late Sunday afternoon they’ll be a bit short-handed as middle linebacker Roquan Smith and wide receiver Darnell Mooney both will not play.
As a result, former Notre Dame star and Heisman Trophy runner-up Manti Te’o will make his Chicago Bears debut in the NFL’s Wild Card round as he and defensive back Marqui Christian have been moved to the active roster.
Te’o signed with the Bears as a practice squad member this fall but is yet to see the game field for 8-8 Chicago.
#Bears roster moves / injury update:
We have activated DB Marqui Christian and LB Manti Te’o from the practice squad.We also have downgraded WR Darnell Mooney and LB Roquan Smith to ‘out’ for tomorrow’s Wild Card playoff game at the Saints.
— Chicago Bears (@BearsPR) January 9, 2021
Te’o last appeared in an NFL game for the Saints, where he played in 24 games between 2017 and 2019.not
Te’o is one of four former Notre Dame football standouts who will be suiting up for the Bears on Sunday as he joins offensive linemen Alex Bars and Sam Mustipher as well as tight end Cole Kmet.
Related: 9 Notre Dame players in action this NFL Wild Card Weekend