Bears 53-Man Roster Projection: 11 Notable Cut Candidates Emerge in ESPN’s Final List

The clock is ticking for the Chicago Bears as final roster cutdown day approaches. A recent ESPN 53-man roster projection has sparked intense debate among fans, highlighting 11 notable players who could find themselves on the outside looking in. Let’s dive deep into the most contentious positional battles and the players fighting for their NFL lives.

Caleb Williams. Nguồn: Chicago Bears
Quarterback: A Settled Room (For Now)

The quarterback situation is perhaps the most straightforward on the team. Barring unforeseen circumstances, Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent, and Case Keenum are locks. Bagent is dealing with minor injuries, but nothing that jeopardizes his roster spot. This means Miller Moss is the odd man out in this projection. While Moss has shown flashes, his performance over two preseason games likely hasn’t been enough to unseat the established trio. His best hope is a strong showing in the final preseason game to secure a practice squad spot.

Running Back: The Toughest Decision

The backfield presents a fascinating dilemma. D’Andre Swift, Khalil Herbert, and Travis Homer are projected to make the team. This leaves Roschon Johnson as a highly notable cut candidate, with Homer reportedly getting the nod over him.

This decision is far from finalized. Johnson and Homer offer distinct skill sets. Johnson brings physical, between-the-tackles running and is arguably the better pass protector. However, his injury history is a concern. Homer brings speed and value on the perimeter, but his pass protection has been questionable at times.

The deciding factor will likely be special teams contributions. Homer has shown promise as a gunner, which could tip the scales in his favor. It’s also entirely possible the Bears look outside the organization for a running back after the waiver wire opens, adding another layer of intrigue to this position.

Roschon Johnson. Nguồn: Facebook
Wide Receiver: A Crowded House

The Bears have a deep receiver room, and several talented players are battling for the final spot. The top five seem secure: DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, Tyler Scott, and Velus Jones Jr. The battle for the sixth spot is fierce.

Maurice Alexander, Scotty Miller, JP Richardson, and Ray-Ray McCloud are all in the mix, and all are projected as cuts in this scenario. Alexander had a strong showing recently, while Miller provides veteran experience. The competition is incredibly tight, and at least two of these players are likely headed to the practice squad if they clear waivers. The final preseason game will be crucial for this group.

Tight End/Fullback: The Hybrid Option

Cole Kmet, Gerald Everett, and Marcedes Lewis are set at tight end. The wild card here is undrafted free agent Hayden Large. Large is a hybrid tight end/fullback known for his exceptional blocking skills. While he’s projected to be cut and likely bound for the practice squad, his versatility makes him a player to watch. He could see game-day elevations depending on matchups and injuries throughout the season.

Offensive Line: The Left Tackle Question

The offensive line projection includes 10 players, notably excluding Kieran Amegadjie, Jedrick Wills, and Kaden Barnett. Barnett, despite receiving significant guaranteed money as an undrafted free agent, appears destined for the practice squad.

The most significant unresolved issue is the left tackle position. Will Braxton Jones secure the starting role, or will someone else emerge? The decision on how to handle Amegadjie and Wills—whether to keep them for depth or cut them—will be a key storyline in the coming days. The health and readiness of players like Teven Jenkins also remain a factor.

Braxton Jones. Nguồn: Braxton Jones
Defensive Line: The Marcus Davenport Situation

The defensive line is packed with talent, but Marcus Davenport is the player to watch. He has barely practiced, and the coaching staff may be bringing him along slowly. Alternatively, they could release him and try to sign him to the practice squad, a risky move considering his recent availability on the open market.

Notable projected cuts include James Lynch and Jamree Kromah. Kromah flashed early in the preseason but has since cooled off. Lynch, a veteran, could be a solid practice squad addition if he clears waivers.

Linebacker: Waiting on Injuries

The linebacker corps is heavily impacted by injuries. With Noah Sewell sidelined, the projection includes five players: Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards, Jack Sanborn, Amen Ogbongbemiga, and rookie Micah Baskerville. The status of players currently on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list will ultimately dictate the final configuration of this group.

Cornerback: The Injury Domino Effect

The cornerback room is dealing with its own set of challenges. Kyler Gordon is projected to start the season on the PUP list, opening up opportunities for others. Terrell Smith, currently dealing with injuries, is a notable projected cut. When healthy, Smith has played well, and keeping him over Dante Pettis might be the preferred move if Smith can prove his fitness. Pettis brings speed but has struggled in coverage at times. The resolution of Smith’s health status will be a major factor here.

Kyler Gordon. Nguồn: Kyler Gordon
Safety: The Final Spot

The battle for the fourth safety spot appears to be between Skyler Thompson and Elijah Hicks, who remains on the PUP list. If Hicks is healthy for Week 1, he likely makes the team, sending Thompson to the waiver wire. If Hicks needs more time, Thompson, who recently recorded an interception, could claim the final roster spot.

Specialists: A Snapping Concern

While Cairo Santos and Tory Taylor are locked in, long snapper Patrick Scales is dealing with an injury, leading the Bears to bring in competition. The performance of the backup snappers has been uneven, leading to some erratic snaps in recent preseason games. The Bears might be exploring veteran options on the open market to ensure stability in the kicking game. This is a situation special teams coordinator Richard Hightower will be monitoring closely.

Tory Taylor. Nguồn: Tory Taylor
The Final Countdown

With 11 notable players projected as cuts by ESPN, the coming days will be filled with difficult decisions for the Bears’ front office and coaching staff. The final preseason game and subsequent practices will provide the last crucial data points. Who will step up and secure their spot, and who will be looking for a new opportunity? The answers are coming soon.