‘Hard Knocks’ episode 4 recap: Ian Wheeler’s injury takes center stage

The bottom of the Bears’ roster got the most attention on the fourth episode of “Hard Knocks,” which aired Tuesday on HBO and Max.

Ian Wheeler, an undrafted rookie running back from Howard, was the centerpiece of the show, which started with assistant running backs coach Jennifer King wishing for him to stay healthy and ended with Wheeler tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in the preseason finale against the Chiefs. He embraced his mother outside the locker room as tears ran down her face.

Afterward, general manager Ryan Poles told Wheeler, whom the Bears put on injured reserve Saturday, that he had ‘‘the entire staff rooting’’ for him.

The show also focused on fellow running back Velus Jones’ performance against the Chiefs. He ran 13 times for 111 yards and a 39-yard touchdown.

What action the documentary showed off the field included quarterbacks Tyson Bagent, Brett Rypien and Austin Reed visiting Willis Tower together. Later, Bagent watched his dad, Travis, one of the best arm wrestlers in the world, compete at a bar in Kansas City.

Safety Adrian Colbert told the story of a near-death experience on a bicycle at age 9 and later meditated during a sound bath.

The biggest personality to show up on ‘‘Hard Knocks,’’ however, might have been Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On the field after the game, Kelce approached coach Matt Eberflus and said he was excited about what he has seen from the Bears.

‘‘I enjoy watching you guys,’’ Kelce said.

Latest on the Bears
The bottom of the roster received the most attention on the fourth episode of “Hard Knocks,” which aired Tuesday night.
Receiver-turned-running back Velus Jones was the most notable bubble player to make the roster.
The Bears set their 53-man roster at 3 p.m. Tuesday, the league’s deadline for cuts. The roster still figures to change as soon as Wednesday, when the NFL runs the waiver wire.
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