With two preseason games in the books, it feels like the Chicago Bears likely have an idea of how their 53-man roster will look once cuts begin. There are still some roster battles that could encounter some unexpected swings, but in truth, the second preseason game resolved most of them. The only thing that can create a decisive shift would be an injury.
Hopefully, it doesn’t come to that. The Bears have managed to avoid any significant health setbacks this month. Given the information available, here is a full breakdown of how I expect the final roster to take shape. Be warned it doesn’t account for any potential waiver wire pickups, which feels like a strong possibility.
*Subject of 3rd quarterback rule
Practice squad option: Nathan Peterman
By far, the biggest upset of any roster battle takes place at the position nobody expected. Bagent, an undrafted rookie out of Division II Shepherd, has looked terrific through two preseason games. He’s had a strong train camp as well. By comparison, Walker has struggled. While the Bears did invest a healthy contract into the former XFL and Carolina standout, the fact is the rookie has outshined him. Thanks to the new third QB rule, the Bears can carry three QBs on the roster, with one not counting against the final 53.
Practice squad option: Trestan Ebner
Going heavy at running back feels ill-advised these days, but it’s necessary with the type of offense the Bears run. A wide-zone scheme demands a steady rushing attack. In the absence of a true star, it’s always best to have a good stock of bodies. Herbert, Foreman, and Johnson is the trio Chicago will run with. Homer is versatile depth and, more importantly, an immediate presence on special teams. Blasingame will fill the fullback role. Ebner’s draft status can’t protect him anymore. He didn’t do enough to stand out.
Practice squad option: Daurice Fountain
The competition at wide receiver never materialized. Moore, Mooney, and Claypool are the unquestioned top three options, and it was obvious from the second camp began. Scott and Jones have been up and down. They’ve had some really good moments, but both suffered mental mistakes in their first preseason outing. Scott is a 4th round pick. Jones is their best kick returner. So they’re safe. St. Brown isn’t a receiving threat, but their system highly values his run-blocking. Fountain showed enough against the Colts to suggest he has emergency backup capability.
Practice squad option: Stephen Carlson
Going with three tight ends is a little light, but the Chicago Bears can feel more than comfortable with this trio. Lewis is still a fantastic blocker. Tonyan can be a big threat in the passing game. Kmet is a combination of both. Health will be the biggest key with this group. If they can avoid injuries, the Bears may get more contributions from their tight ends than almost any other position on the roster. It’s that deep. Carlson had some nice moments in the preseason. He can be a serviceable stash on the practice squad.
Practice squad options: Alex Leatherwood and Doug Kramer
The great thing about the new practice squad rules is it allows you stash players far more easily. That is why the Bears feel comfortable rolling with only eight linemen on the main roster. You have the five obvious starters locked in. Borom has consistently proven to be their best option as the swing tackle, so he stays. Patrick has the versatility to play both center and guard. His leadership is also valuable. As for Carter, he has improved more than anybody else since last season. His play in the preseason proves that. Having him behind the notoriously injury-prone Jenkins and Davis will be important.
Practice squad options: Travis Bell, Rasheem Green, Jalen Harris, and D’Anthony Jones
One thing that’s clear about this position group? Eberflus and his staff will have some tough decisions to make. The top six names listed above are obvious locks, with the first four being the starters. Pickens and Dexter have both looked good as high draft choices. Lewis and Gipson have been the two most consistently productive pass rushers this preseason. They’ve earned their way onto the roster. The hardest choice is that last spot. Green, Harris, and Jones all have cases. Robinson gets it for his still considerable upside.
Practice squad option: Micah Baskerville
Another position that is suddenly competitive. Edmunds and Edwards are starters. Sanborn and Sewell are competing for that last spot. Both will make the roster regardless. Walker is a late addition to the roster but carries significant value as a backup, thanks to his starting experience in Atlanta. As for Cole, he survives thanks to his proven track record on special teams. While unfortunate for Baskerville, he did more than enough to stay on the practice squad. He may crack the roster down the line.
Practice squad option: Michael Ojemudia
It appears Stevenson has cemented himself as the #3 cornerback alongside Johnson and Gordon. Smith has also had a great training camp. The last two spots go to Jones and Blackwell, thanks to their quality play last year as rookies and their undeniable value as special teams players. Ojemudia has always had talent. He never quite unlocked it during his time in Denver. However, he’s shown promising signs this preseason. Continuing to work with him on the practice squad is a logical step.
Practice squad option: Kendall Williamson
Jackson and Brisker are cemented as starters. Hicks played quite well in the safety role this preseason and, apparently joint practices too. He’s also becoming a core special teams ace. The biggest surprises are Thomas and Trahan. Both had interceptions in the first preseason game against Tennessee. Thomas almost had another against the Colts. They’ve also stood out in training camp. They display the competitive tendencies the Bears look for. Each earned his way onto the roster.
Fittingly, the projection rounds out with minimal drama. Santos Rookie Andre Szmyt briefly tested Santosly camp. That didn’t last long. The veteran kicker was sharp every day, and that carried over into the preseason, where he hasn’t missed a single kick. Scales remains as reliable as ever. Gill also did solid work punting.
