Bears waive Luke Elkin, focus on rookie long snapper Beau Gardner
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 9, 2026, 5:31 PM
Last updated Aug 9, 2026
The Chicago Bears announced the waiver of long snapper Luke Elkin and the signing of defensive back Beanie Bishop on August 9, 2026. This decision leaves undrafted rookie Beau Gardner as the team's sole long snapper, indicating a shift in the team's special teams strategy. Gardner, who earned recognition as the top long snapper in college football last season, will now handle all long snapping duties unless the Bears sign a veteran. Beanie Bishop, who is suspended for the first three games of the upcoming season due to a substance abuse policy violation, adds depth to the secondary following an injury to safety Cam Lewis.
- •Bears waive Luke Elkin after training camp evaluations.
- •Beau Gardner will assume long snapping responsibilities.
- •Beanie Bishop signed but will miss the first three games due to suspension.
- •Cam Lewis injury prompted the need for secondary depth.
- •Gardner won the Patrick Mannelly Award for top collegiate long snapper.
- 5:31 PMYahoo Sports — Bears appear to have made their decision in long snapper competition
"It appears that the Chicago Bears' long snapper competition is over after the team made a move to waive Luke Elkin.
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