The Chicago Bears roster is at the league-mandated limit of 53 after Saturday’s cuts, but with the rest of the NFL trimming down their numbers, the roster you see today may not be the same you see tomorrow.
Notable cuts from the team include: offensive tackle Eben Britton, wide receivers Armanti Edwards and Chris Williams, center Taylor Boggs, defensive end Austin Lane, and cornerbacks C.J. Wilson and Kelvin Hayden.
Britton, Boggs, and Lane were cut in large part because of the position numbers game. Chris Williams appeared on his way to landing the kick returning gig until he hurt himself early in the preseason. If you miss time in camp, there’s usually a good chance you’re out of a job.
Eben Britton’s release from the Chicago Bears roster may prove to be the toughest. The talk prior to camp included Britton’s role as the offense’s swing tackle and how much head coach Marc Trestman and his staff liked what they were seeing from him.
Among the other cuts, wide receiver Josh Bellamy and offensive guard Ryan Groy are expected to sign on to Chicago’s practice squad, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Another name that has been kept out of this piece up until now (on purpose) is Jordan Lynch. The Northern Illinois standout has a chance of making the Bears’ practice squad. The addition of two PS spots from eight to ten makes it more than likely that Lynch gets a look. Lynch could be valuable in a running back/mobile quarterback role for practice.
The Chicago Bears will potentially face three signal callers with a penchant for running within the first five weeks of the season. Colin Kaepernick, Michael Vick (if Geno Smith is hurt) and Cam Newton will pose problems for an aging Bears defense, and any sort of practice against a mobile QB will be needed. Those three games are all on the road, as well.
29 other teams cut their rosters down to 53 and not all of those cut can/will be added to practice squads. There will be players available that the Chicago Bears roster could use. One familiar name is Anthony Walters. The safety was released by the Arizona Cardinals and was one of the better special teams members for the past few seasons. Chicago could use any/all help there.
Another name is wide receiver Damaris Johnson. The 5’8’’ wideout was released by the Philadelphia Eagles after they could not swing a trade for him. The diminutive Johnson was used sparingly in Philly, but posed a threat out wide and from the backfield. His speed and vision could be an asset for Chicago’s return game.
The Chicago Bears roster may be at the required maximum of 53 players, but to say it is set for the beginning of the NFL season is far from guaranteed.
Jeff is a production assistant @120Sports and contributor to hockey, football, and baseball for The Sports Bank. Follow him on Twitter @skcih_ffej.