The Chicago Bears defeated the Cleveland Browns 21-20 in their third preseason game, where some players made a strong push for roster spots ahead of the final round of cuts.
There were a number of standout performers during Saturday’s preseason win, but there are also a number of tough cuts on the way as general manager Ryan Poles has to trim the roster from 80 to 53 players by Tuesday at 3 p.m. CT.
Following the third preseason game, here are my final predictions for the Bears’ 53-man roster:
Quarterback (2)
- Justin Fields
- Trevor Siemian
There’s no surprise at quarterback with Fields serving as the undisputed starter with Siemian backing him up. Nathan Peterman should land on the practice squad.
Running backs (4)
- David Montgomery
- Khalil Herbert
- Trestan Ebner
- Darrynton Evans
Montgomery will be the lead back this season with Herbert also getting some of the workload. Ebner is certainly pushing for more playing time, and he should get plenty of opportunities on offense and special teams. Evans has put together some solid preseason outings.
Fullbacks (1)
- Khari Blasingame
For the first time since 2018, the Bears will employ a fullback on the roster. Given the run-heavy scheme, Blasingame will be vital on offense.
Wide receivers (6)
- Darnell Mooney
- Equanimeous St. Brown
- Byron Pringle
- Velus Jones Jr.
- Dante Pettis
- *N’Keal Harry
There aren’t any surprises with Mooney, St. Brown, Pringle and Jones, which means it comes down to the final two spots. Pettis has proven himself on offense and special teams, and it would be a shock if he didn’t make the final roster. The Bears need to carry Harry on their initial 53-man roster before placing him on injured reserve to start the season. With that in mind, I’m predicting Isaiah Coulter is later added to the roster.
Tight ends (3)
- Cole Kmet
- Ryan Griffin
- James O’Shaughnessy
With the Bears employing a fullback, they’ll carry three tight ends on the roster. Following a strong preseason outing, Kmet looks like he could be poised for that breakout season. Meanwhile, Griffin and O’Shuaghnessy will serve as dependable reserves who specialize in blocking.
Offensive line (9)
- Braxton Jones (LT)
- Cody Whitehair (LG)
- Lucas Patrick (C)
- Teven Jenkins (RG)
- Larry Borom (RT)
- Riley Reiff
- Michael Schofield
- Sam Mustipher
- Ja’Tyre Carter
The Bears appear to have most of their staring offensive line set with Jones, Whitehair, Patrick, Jenkins and Borom. While Reiff and Schofield don’t appear to be starters, they’ll serve as solid depth along with Mustipher and Carter.
Defensive line (4)
- Justin Jones
- Khyiris Tonga
- Angelo Blackson
- Trevon Coley
No surprises along the interior with Jones, Tonga and Blackson all likely to make the roster. Mario Edwards, who is listed as a defensive end, can also play the interior. Coley has a chance to snag one of those final roster spots, especially after back-to-back impressive preseason outings.
Edge rushers (5)
- Robert Quinn
- Trevis Gipson
- Al-Quadin Muhammad
- Mario Edwards Jr.
- Dominique Robinson
Edge rusher is all but set at this point with Quinn, Gipson and Muhammad leading the way. Edwards can play the edge or the interior, so he’ll likely see playing time in both spots. Robinson showed why the Bears are high on him so far this preseason, and he should snag that final spot.
Linebackers (5)
- Roquan Smith
- Nicholas Morrow
- Matt Adams
- Joe Thomas
- Jack Sanborn
Smith and Morrow are locks at their respective positions while Matt Adams and Joe Thomas are competing for that SAM linebacker spot. Both should make the roster, especially given Adams’ versatility in playing all three linebacker spots. This preseason, Sanborn has showed that he’s worthy of a roster spot and should perhaps be competing for playing time.
Cornerbacks (6)
- Jaylon Johnson
- Kyler Gordon
- Kindle Vildor
- Thomas Graham Jr.
- Duke Shelley
- Greg Stroman Jr.
The Bears are confident in Gordon’s ability to play outside or in the slot, so the only question is where he’ll be starting. Although it certainly appears to be nickel cornerback, where he played in both games this season. Johnson is another lock for the roster, and Vildor should also make the roster. I have Graham, Stroman and Shelley landing those final cornerback spots.
Safeties (5)
- Eddie Jackson
- Jaquan Brisker
- DeAndre Houston-Carson
- Dane Cruikshank
- Elijah Hicks
Jackson and Brisker will be your starters at free safety and strong safety. Meanwhile, Houston-Carson, Cruikshank and Hicks should provide nice depth at safety and will be key contributors on special teams.
Special teams (3)
- K Cairo Santos
- P Trenton Gill
- LS Patrick Scales
Special teams is set with Santos, Gill and Scales.
