The Chicago Bears wrapped the preseason against the Tennessee Titans, where they'll now have to trim their roster down to 53 players just hours after the game's conclusion. The roster cut deadline looms Sunday at 5 p.m. CT.
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 Sunday night's deadline.
Quarterback
- Miller Moss
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
after what they did last year. That leaves undrafted rookie Miller Moss the odd-man out.
Running back
- Salvon Ahmed
- Brittain Brown
Chicago will once again run it back with D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, who led a top-three rushing attack last season. Assuming the Bears are carrying three running backs -- like last year at this time -- it's a battle between Roschon Johnson and Salvon Ahmed. While Ahmed has been the more explosive back, Chicago might lean toward Johnson for his pass blocking ability and special teams contributions.
Wide receiver
- Maurice Alexander
- Omari Kelly
- Ray-Ray McCloud III
- Scotty Miller
- JP Richardson
The Bears' top five receiver spots are already locked down with Rome Odunze, Luther Burden, Kalif Raymond, Jahdae Walker and rookie Zavion Thomas. That leaves on roster spot up for grabs, and it's hard not to award it to Kaden Davis after a standout training camp and preseason. Maurice Alexander and Scotty Miller have had their moments, but Davis has simply shined brighter.
Tight end
- Stephen Carlson
- Qadir Ismail
- Hayden Large
The Bears tight end room has essentially been set since training camp started with Colston Loveland, Cole Kmet and rookie Sam Roush. So no one really stood a chance at a spot on the roster. But guys like Hayden Large and Stephen Carlson are practice squad candidates.
Offensive line
- Kiran Amegadjie
- Wesley French
- Kyle Hergel
- Jaren Kump
- Mason Murphy
- Jedrick Wills Jr.
While Kiran Amegadjie and Jedrick Wills Jr. were contenders for the starting left tackle job, they were never able to take the reins. Braxton Jones and Theo Benedet are expected to be the options at left tackle before Ozzy Trapilo returns. Caden Barnett makes our cut for the 53-man roster with the assumption that Trapilo could start the year on IR to fully get back up to speed.
Defensive line
- Jamree Kromah
- Jayden Loving
- James Lynch
- Jeremiah Martin
The Bears have some important decisions to make among the defensive line, and the most difficult cut on this like is preseason standout Jamree Kromah, who could be out of a roster spot with the arrival of Marcus Davenport. Shemar Turner is expected to start the season on the PUP list, which gives Kentavius Street the nod.
Linebacker
- Tony Fields II
- Antonio Grier Jr.
- Wayne Matthews III
- Jon Rhattigan
- Jack Sanborn
The Bears are set with their starters with T.J. Edwards and Devin Bush, and D'Marco Jackson has proven to reliable depth. Rookie Keyshaun Elliott, despite missing most of training camp, will get a shot. The final linebacker spot will likely come down to Ruben Hyppolite II and Jack Sanborn, and it could go either way. In this scenario, the former fourth-round pick Hyppolite edges out the former undrafted free agent Sanborn.
Cornerback
- Beanie Bishop Jr.
- Dontae Manning
- Deantre Prince
- Terell Smith
- William Wright
This is one of the most competitive positions when it comes to earning a roster spot. Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, Kyler Gordon (assuming he doesn't start on the PUP list), rookie Malik Muhammad and Josh Blackwell feel like locks for the roster. That leaves one spot, and it could come down to Jaylon Jones and Terell Smith. Jones saw starting reps at nickel with Gordon sidelined until Muhammad saw extended opportunities, and he brings versatility. Meanwhile, Smith has battled injuries.
Safety
- Anthony Johnson Jr.
- Marlen Sewell
- Skyler Thomas
The Bears have some important decisions to make at safety with Coby Bryant expected to miss 4-6 months. Rookie Dillon Thieneman is a lock to start, and it sounds like Cam Lewis or Xavier Woods will serve as the other starter. With Elijah Hicks finally returning from PUP, he gets the last spot. While undrafted rookie Skyler Thomas has been a standout this summer, he's the most difficult cut on this list.
Special teams
- None
The Bears already have their core specialists in place with kicker Cairo Santos, punter Tory Taylor and undrafted rookie long snapper Beau Gardner, who beat out Luke Elkin earlier this summer.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Predicting Bears' roster cuts ahead of Sunday's deadline
