Practices fully Thursday

Brown (shoulder) was a full participant at practice Thursday, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Brown was limited in practice last week and was inactive for the season opener in Green Bay, but he now appears recovered from the shoulder injury he suffered at the end of August. The 26-year-old is listed as the No. 4 tight end on the Bears depth chart and unlikely to make an offensive impact with Trey Burton, Dion Sims and Ben Braunecker currently healthy.

Inactive against Packers

Brown (shoulder) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Packers.

Analysis: Brown injured his shoulder in the preseason finale and was doubtful coming into Sunday. He is listed as the fourth tight end on the Bears depth chart, so his absence shouldn't significantly affect Chicago's offensive production.

Doubtful for opener

Brown (shoulder) was limited in Friday's practice and is considered doubtful to play in Sunday's game against the Packers.

Analysis: Brown has been nursing a shoulder injury since the team's preseason finale against the Bills, and while he still managed to make the final roster, the tight end will likely have to remain sidelined for at least one more week.

Dealing with shoulder injury

Brown sustained a shoulder injury during Thursday's preseason finale against the Bills, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Analysis: Brown had two receptions for 46 yards in 17 offensive snaps prior to suffering the injury. The 26-year-old was designated doubtful to return but the severity of the issue is not known.

Leads Bears in receiving

Brown caught five passes for 90 yards in Thursday's loss to the Bengals.

Analysis: Although Brown had an outstanding stat line, he did most of his damage with the third-string offense on the field. His biggest play was a 56-yard reception in which he caught a short pass and found plenty of room to run against backup defenders. Despite the strong showing, Brown has an uphill battle to place better than the fourth-string tight end, especially since he's not considered to be a great blocker, making him a bit one-dimensional as a pass catcher.

Returns healthy for HOF Game

Brown (ankle) played in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game against the Ravens, JJ Stankevitz of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Analysis: While he wasn't credited with any targets, Brown at least proved that he's recovered from the ankle injury he dealt with early in training camp. With Trey Burton, Dion Sims and Adam Shaheen locked in as the Bears' top three tight ends , Brown is squaring off against Ben Braunecker and Colin Thompson for the possibility of one roster spot.

Brown (ankle) sat out of Chicago's training camp Sunday, Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Analysis: Brown hauled in 13 passes for 129 yards through 14 games in 2017, and that level appears to be his ceiling again. The Bears brought in Trey Burton (previously on the Eagles) in free agency and still have Dion Sims and red-zone target Adam Shaheen on the roster. Brown will instead be counted on for special teams and run-blocking scenarios.

Brown has signed a contract to return to the Bears in 2018, Adam Hoge of WGN Radio reports.

Analysis: The Bears failed to extend a qualifying offer to Brown before the start of the new league year, so it didn't seem likely he'd be brought back for another go around. However, it's now clear that he'll return to Chicago in 2018. With that said, Brown is firmly behind Adam Shaheen, Dion Sims and the recently-acquired Trey Burton on the depth chart, likely setting him up for a special-teams role.

Brown didn't receive a qualifying offer or minimum tender from the Bears and has become an unrestricted free agent, per the league's official transaction log.

Analysis: Brown was exclusively a special-teams player in 2017 before injuries hit the Bears' tight end corps. Once finally given offensive responsibilities in Week 8, the 25-year-old went on to accrue 13 receptions for 129 yards on 20 targets. While he seemingly isn't an elite talent by any means, Brown should still garner interest on the open market, especially given his relative youth.

Brown didn't see a target in the Week 17 loss to the Vikings and finished the year with 13 receptions (on 20 targets) for 129 yards.

Analysis: Brown has caught a total of 35 passes in 35 NFL games covering four seasons with the Bears and the Ravens. He'll be a restricted free agent this offseason, but with Adam Shaheen and Dion Sims slated to be the primary tight ends in 2018, he'll either continue to serve in a reserve capacity in Chicago or look for a similar role elsewhere.

Brown caught three passes for 32 yards in Saturday's loss to the Lions.

Analysis: Brown was targeted four times, but he didn't see a target until the Bears fell behind 20-3 early in the second half. With Adam Shaheen sitting this one out with a chest injury, Brown caught three passes for the first time this season. Although he's posted at least 20 yards in four of his last six games, his 32-yard effort in this contest represented his highest total of the season. He's been a weak fantasy option.

Brown caught two passes for 9 yards in Sunday's 33-7 win over the Bengals.

Analysis: Brown caught both of his targets but found himself third in the pecking order at tight end behind Dion Sims and Adam Shaheen. He's yet to post more than 23 yards in any of the five games that he was targeted, and he provides fantasy owners with very little weekly production.

Brown caught one pass for 13 yards in Sunday's 15-14 loss to the 49ers.

Analysis: In a game that the Bears attempted only 15 passes, Brown was the team's leading tight end with 13 yards. Although he's caught passes in each of the last four games, he's yet to post more than 23 yards in any game this year, rendering him a weak fantasy option.

Brown caught two passes for 23 yards in Sunday's 27-24 loss to the Lions.

Analysis: With Dion Sims missing his second straight game with an illness, Brown's posted exactly 23 yards in each contest. However, considering Adam Shaheen appears ready to begin taking on a larger role in the passing game, Brown isn't a recommended fantasy option in most leagues.