Bears Preseason Week 2: Position Battles (Offense)

Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Position: #2 TE

This battle may be all but over with the devastating injury to Zach Miller. The Bears have kept at least 3 TEs the last few years and unless Mastrud, Beckum or a future roster addition start playing better the Bears TEs will be Bennett, Rosario, and Mulligan.

Up: Matthew Mulligan – After an uneventful week 1, Mulligan had a much better game in week 2 with 4 catches for 39 yards. The highlight was a 23-yarder which showed more athleticism from Mulligan than I was expecting. He also got a little push as a run blocker which was a rare occurrence Thursday night.

Down: Zach Miller – Tip some of your 40 out for Zach Miller, who injured his foot again early in the first quarter and has already been placed on injured reserve. What a tough break for Miller who had an awesome game in week 1 and was practicing with the starters last week. Miller’s promising career was waylaid from 2012-2013 with foot injuries but he was finally healthy and exactly what the Bears were looking for in a 2nd TE… I feel terrible for Miller and hope for a quick recovery. One positive for Miller is that the Bears put him on the vested veteran injury reserve as opposed to the standard IR which would have given other teams a chance to claim Miller. It appears that the Bears consider Miller part of the future which is at least some consolation for the star-crossed TE.

No Change: Jeron Mastrud – Played roughly half the game and had 2 catches for 10 yards and did a decent job run blocking. Mastrud has been OK, but if he is going to beat out more experienced TEs like Rosario and Mulligan he will have to pick up his game.

No Change: Donte Rosario – Didn’t play. With the Miller injury, Rosario is pretty much assured a spot on the 53-man roster.