The Chicago Bears made their preseason debut, playing the Miami Dolphins to a 24-24 tie.
The game featured an HBCU star returning to the football field after suffering a serious injury the previous year.
Former Howard running back Ian Wheeler lit up the Bears’ backfield, recording 20 rushing yards on seven attempts and a 14-yard reception.
Wheeler displayed a great deal of effort, taking first contact and continuing to push forward multiple times. This was best shown in his touchdown run, which was called back due to a penalty. He took a hit and kept his balance, found a crease in the defense, and reached the end zone.
The former Bison running back returned to the gridiron after suffering a torn ACL in the Bears’ preseason finale against the Kansas City Chiefs last year.
Rookie RB Ian Wheeler’s mom was right there for her son when he got the news that he tore his ACL.
#HardKnocks with the @ChicagoBears available now on @StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/dOQfdsNoWN
— NFL (@NFL) August 28, 2024
Before the injury, Wheeler was on track to potentially make the Bears’ practice squad, notably leading the team in rushing in their game against the Buffalo Bills.
In his time at Howard, Wheeler made a name for himself as an all-purpose back, leaving his mark in every area on the field.
He finished his career with 2,170 all-purpose yards and 18 total touchdowns, and he was named to the All-MEAC team in his final three seasons.
Ian Wheeler. If you need him!
@KyleBrandt pic.twitter.com/ZRxQoKPlZy
— Eric in the Southside (@oneonefiveUSA) August 10, 2025
In his final season in 2023, Wheeler helped lead Howard to its first outright MEAC title in 30 years, leading the conference in kick return yards.
The All-MEAC running back entered the 2024 NFL Draft, signing an undrafted free agent deal with the Chicago Bears.
Wheeler will be entrenched in a crowded battle at the running back position on the Chicago Bears’ roster. His competition features 2025 seventh-round draft pick Kyle Monangai, four-year pro Travis Homer, and 2025 undrafted signing Deion Hankins.
