The Bears are bringing in a veteran punter.
Per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Johnny Hekker is joining Chicago.
Bears punter Brett Thorson is expected to miss time with a hamstring injury.
Hekker, 36, last was with the Vikings during the offseason program and training camp.
He spent the 2025 season with Tennessee, averaging 46.8 yards per punt with a 40.3-yard net average.
A four-time AP first-team All-Pro, Hekker has appeared in 229 career games for the Rams, Panthers, and Titans.
A fake punt specialist, Hekker has also completed 15-of-26 career passes for 193 yards with a touchdown.
Additionally, the Bears announced the previously reported signing of long snapper Scott Daly. Long snapper Beau Gardner was waived as a corresponding move. But Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune notes Gardner is likely to re-sign with the practice squad should he clear waivers.