The Chicago Bears are in the middle of trimming their roster down to 53 players as the league’s roster deadline looms Tuesday at 3 p.m. CT.
The Bears have already made some difficult cuts, including running back Ian Wheeler and cornerback Tre Flowers, but there’s still more on the way as general manager Ryan Poles focuses on assembling the best roster.
For the most part, we can make some good guesses as to the roster locks and players most likely to make the roster. But there are several bubble players on the outside looking in. So which under-the-radar players might’ve made a push for a spot on the initial 53-man roster?
We’re predicting the Bears’ roster cuts (and moves) heading into today’s deadline.
Note: This list contains roster moves that have already occurred
Quarterback
The Bears are essentially set at quarterback with Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum. The only question is whether they carry three QBs, which seems likely. They already waived Austin Reed, who’s a candidate for the practice squad.
Running back
Chicago is banged up at running back right now, where D’Andre Swift and Brittain Brown are the only healthy ones. While I have Brown on this list, if Roschon Johnson starts the season on injured reserve, Brown would certainly get that final spot. Meanwhile, the Bears have already parted ways with Ian Wheeler and Royce Freeman.
Wide receiver
The first five receiver spot are already locked down, which leaves one between a myriad of players. Right now, undrafted rookie Jahdae Walker appears primed to land that final spot over Maurice Alexander, Miles Boykin and Tyler Scott.
Tight end
The Bears tight end room has essentially been set since training camp started with Colston Loveland, Cole Kmet and Durham Smythe. So no one really stood a chance at a spot on the roster, even offseason program standout Joel Wilson. But they’re practice squad candidates.
Offensive line
Chicago will likely carry 10 offensive linemen, and there’s plenty of questions about the depth players they’ll carry. There’s a chance Kiran Amegadjie could be the odd man out given the competition at left tackle. The Bears are exploring a trade for Jordan McFadden given their abundance of depth and only a limited number of roster spots. It’s an indication that McFadden is in contention for a roster spot but also that they’re willing to listen to offers.
Edge rusher
The Bears need to improve their pass rush, and that help might not even be on the roster yet. Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo and Austin Booker are the safe bets to make the roster. Dominque Robinson could get the final spot after making a strong impression on the coaching staff, but Daniel Hardy does bring valuable special teams contributions that make him a contender.
Defensive tackle
The third round has not been kind to GM Ryan Poles, and Zacch Pickens appears primed to be the latest failed experiment. Gervon Dexter, Grady Jarrett, Andrew Billings and rookie Shemar Turner are all primed for roster nods leaving one spot up for grabs. In this scenario, Chris Williams gets the nod over Pickens. Dan Wiederer hinted that he’ll be keeping an eye on Billings, which is certainly interesting.
Linebacker
The Bears appear set at linebacker with starters Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards and key reserves Noah Sewell, rookie Ruben Hyppolite II and special teams ace Amen Ogbongbemiga. Unfortunately, that means Carl Jones is the odd man out.
Cornerback
Chicago has been ravaged by injuries at defensive back, most notably cornerback. Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon are dealing with injuries, but expected back for Week 1, while Terell Smith suffered a season-ending knee injury in the second preseason game. Tyrique Stevenson, Nahshon Wright and Josh Blackwell feel like safe bets, and the final spot should go to Nick McCloud with rookie Zah Frazier landing on the NFI list and Tre Flowers being released.
Safety
The Bears core safety group has been presumably known for some time now with starters Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker and reserves Elijah Hicks and Jonathan Owens, and the team made it official with their latest roster cuts. While Alex Cook impressed this summer, it wasn’t enough to move up the depth chart.
Special teams
The Bears are poised to return their core specialists for a second straight season with kicker Cairo Santos, punter Tory Taylor and long snapper Scott Daly. Daly is the only one facing competition at this point with Luke Elkin still on the roster.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Predicting Bears’ roster cuts ahead of Tuesday’s deadline
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
