Former Stanford TE Sam Roush is Still Finding His Footing with the Bears

Sam Roush joined elite company this year, becoming the newest addition to Stanford's Tight End U list. Roush became the latest Stanford football tight end to play in the NFL, joining a prestigious list that includes Zach Ertz, Austin Hooper, Dalton Schultz and others. But early on in his career, he has struggled to adapt to the next level.

Roush, a third-round pick by the Chicago Bears in the 2026 NFL Draft, has had a limited role on offense through the first three games because of a crowded tight end room that features Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet. Roush has played on special teams, though, which is where he has struggled the most.

In the Bears' most recent game, a 27-7 Week 3 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, he made a near-critical mistake on a punt late in the first quarter. The Bears were leading 7-0, and Bears' punter Tory Taylor executed a perfect punt that landed inside the five-yard line and was about to be ruled dead.

Roush dove on the ball, however, and slid into the end zone, forcing a touchback and giving the Eagles better field position. 

That play was just one example of his early-season struggles on the special teams unit. Roush missed a blocking assignment on a field goal in Week 1 that almost led to a blocked kick, while the following week, he did the same thing. Luckily, those plays ended up having no impact on the outcome of either game, but they are situations he will look to grow and get better from.

Roush is still a highly valuable player for the Bears despite the early struggles. Known for his blocking abilities, Roush could become a key weapon on offense with continued development. 

Roush is also a solid pass catcher, totaling 1,201 receiving yards at Stanford, and could provide another weapon for Caleb Williams down the line.

It is still early in the season, and this is the time of year when rookies learn the most. Roush will be fine. 

In his final season on The Farm last year, he registered career highs in catches (49) and receiving yards (545) and caught another two touchdowns, proving himself to be arguably Stanford's most important offensive player. Roush earned second-team All-ACC honors for his strong season and firmly cemented himself as an NFL Draft prospect.

Roush is on a four-year rookie deal and still has plenty of time to prove himself for the Bears. The team is 2-1 to start the season after beating the Eagles and will look to carry that momentum over to their Week 4 matchup at home against the New York Jets.