Bears Set Final 53-Man Roster, Practice Squad
The Bears finalized their final 53-man roster on Saturday afternoon. There are no big surprises with some of the bigger name cuts like Al Afalava, Josh Beekman, Jarron Gilbert and Juaquin Iglesias already revealed. According to the Bears official website, here’s your final 53:
"Quarterbacks (3): Todd Collins, Jay Cutler, Caleb Hanie.Running backs (4): Kahlil Bell, Matt Forte, Chester Taylor, Garrett Wolfe.Wide receivers (5): Devin Aromashodu, Earl Bennett, Rashied Davis, Devin Hester, Johnny Knox.Tight ends (4): Desmond Clark, Kellen Davis, Brandon Manumaleuna, Greg Olsen.Offensive linemen (8): Johan Asiata, Roberto Garza, Olin Kreutz, Lance Louis, Frank Omiyale, Kevin Shaffer, J’Marcus Webb, Chris Williams.Defensive linemen (9): Anthony Adams, Mark Anderson, Tommie Harris, Marcus Harrison, Israel Idonije, Henry Melton, Julius Peppers, Matt Toeaina, Corey Wootton.Linebackers (6): Lance Briggs, Hunter Hillenmeyer, Brian Iwuh, Nick Roach, Pisa Tinoisamoa, Brian Urlacher.Cornerbacks (6): Zackary Bowman, Corey Graham, Tim Jennings, D.J. Moore, Josh Moore, Charles Tillman.Safeties (5): Josh Bullocks, Chris Harris, Danieal Manning, Craig Steltz, Major Wright.Specialists (3): Robbie Gould, Patrick Mannelly, Brad Maynard."
A few odd choices in keeping four running backs and four tight ends, no true fullback and only five wide receivers for a Mike Martz offense that supposedly doesn’t use the tight end and isn’t known for running the ball.
The Bears also went about the business of putting together their practice squad. One of the big surprises wasn’t the fact that Dan LeFevour was cut but that the Cincinnati Bengals claimed him. It was widely presumed that LeFevour would be signed to the Bears practice squad. Most of the names on the list should look pretty familiar:
"The Bears have signed signed wide receivers Juaquin Iglesias and Greg Matthews, offensive linemen Levi Horn, James Marten, and Edwin Williams, defensive end Barry Turner and fullback Eddie Williams to the practice squad."
The Bears still have one spot left on the practice squad. It would be interesting to see if the Bears try to reunite former 2009 3rd round draft pick Jarron Gilbert with Juaquin Iglesias. Gilbert was claimed by the New York Jets but since they were awarded another claim so the claim on Gilbert was rejected. He is now a free agent and free to sign with anyone. Might I suggest someone with a nice pool? Sorry, couldn’t help myself.
Now all that’s left is the little matter of the regular season. The Detroit Lions await!!!