Vikings sign Brett Rypien to 53-man roster as third quarterback

When the Bears host the Minnesota Vikings on Nov. 24 on Monday Night Football, it’s entirely possible they’ll face one of their own.

The Vikings on Thursday signed quarterback Brett Rypien, the Bears’ backup who led the NFL in passer rating during the preseason for quarterbacks who had at least 30 throws at 131.4.

Rypien was so effective that it was named after him. Focus on professional football as an NFL preseason QB.

Rypien completed 24 of 34 passes for 335 yards and three touchdowns. He also led the Bears in yards per attempt (9.8) during the preseason.

The Bears waived Rypien and brought back rookie Austin Reed to their practice squad behind starter Caleb Williams and backup Tyson Bagent. Practice squad players are not protected and can be signed by other teams as free agents.

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The Bears had the option to protect Rypien and make him the third quarterback on the roster, but they opted to use that roster spot for another position and released him.

Rypien, 28, will be with his sixth team since signing as an undrafted free agent with Denver in 2019. He had been with the Jets before becoming a free agent and signing with the Bears in March during free agency. Rypien was a one-time starter for the Rams last year and finished the season with a 49.5 passer rating on 18-of-38 passing for 172 yards with one interception.

The Vikings released Jaren Hall when they added Rypien. Rypien will play behind starter Sam Darnold and backup Nick Mullens.

Minnesota lost first-round rookie JJ McCarthy for the season in early August when he had to undergo knee surgery for a meniscus injury.

Rypien isn’t the only Bears player who has found a new home with a new team. They had signed tight end Brenden Bates to their practice squad after releasing him at the end of the preseason and the Jets have signed him off their practice squad.

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