Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
2. Josh Morgan/Santonio Holmes
Josh Morgan is the latest to get a shot at the Bears #3 wide receiver spot. It’s sort of a default promotion. Marquess Wilson and Chris Williams had varying degrees of injury, Eric Weems failed as a receiver and in the return game, so he was shown the door and no one else stepped up, so it’s Morgans’ job to lose.
The Bears wanted to see what former Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes has left in the tank, so they signed him earlier in the week. If Holmes plays, that’s mandatory viewing. If Holmes can get himself in shape and learn the playbook, he could be a huge addition to an already loaded Bears offense. Could he be satisfied as the 5th option for Jay Cutler, behind Marshall, Jeffery, Forte and Martellus Bennett? That question is unlikely to be answered on Friday night, but seeing Holmes’ ability to separate and run clean routes will be interesting.
1. Chris Conte
Chris Conte returns to action for the first time since Randall Cobb ran right past him to knock the Bears out of the division title and a playoff berth. He’s been slowed by offseason shoulder surgery and is down on the depth chart. Despite a horrible 2013 season, Conte is still probably the most talented free safety on the Bears roster. Can he bounce back and fit into Mel Tucker’s new defensive scheme? Can he beat out Adrian Wilson or Danny McCray for one of the few safety spots on the roster?
Who will you be watching? What player needs to make a strong impression to earn a roster spot? Let’s hear your thoughts in the Comments.