What are the initial reactions at each position for the Bears?
The Bears got themselves to 53 in a different way than many would expect. What were the big surprises, and how do the Bears currently look at each position?
Quarterback
This position went exactly as expected.
Running back
This also went pretty much as expected. The injury to Ka’Deem Carey found him on the Injured Reserved. Do not be surprised if he winds up reaching an injury settlement and is signed by another team later in the season.
Wide Receiver
The big news is that Tanner Gentry did not make the team. It is tough to justify Josh Bellamy making it over Gentry unless the team is absolutely certain that Gentry will clear waivers. He should, and the Bears should find him on the practice squad.
Tight End
This is where the Gentry news becomes even more of a head scratcher. Dion Sims, Zach Miller, and Adam Shaheen were locks. Did they need to keep both Ben Braunecker and Daniel Brown? They really must be fully prepared to make this a redshirt season for Shaheen. He will likely be inactive for 16 games.
Offensive Line
The news of Jordan Morgan being placed on the Injured Reserved was the one that had not really been reported. For the Bears, he was a ninth lineman and was a player who going to be taking the Shaheen route of being inactive. It is almost a good thing in terms of the numbers of the roster that Morgan was able to get on injured reserved for a year.
Defensive Line
The Bears only kept five defensive line which is quite surprising. They do not have a backup nose tackle, which is a nice leap of faith on Eddie Goldman and his status. The surprise was that Jaye Howard was released. He had looked healthy, and given the lack of depth on the unit, he could probably contribute as a sixth asset. However, Howard, and C.J. Wilson and John Jenkins, who rotated at nose tackle did not make the cut.
Linebacker
Lamarr Houston did not play much in the preseason and did not look like a huge difference maker. That, and the Bears savings in cap space, especially in 2018 incentivized the Bears to place him on the Injured Reserved, with the intentions of releasing him.
The rest was not much of a surprise. Dan Skuta was released but he was dealing with a concussion. He could be scooped back in a few weeks if something happens.
Next: Have no fear, Tanner Gentry will clear waivers
Cornerback
Sherrick McManis continues to make the Bears roster. McManis, along with Bellamy can speak to the fact that this team is at least paying attention to special teams. The rest of the cornerbacks were cut and dry.
Safety
Deon Bush and Deiondre’ Hall were in and DeAndre Houston-Carson and Harold Jones-Quartey were out. Houston-Carson is not a surprise, he has been brutal, but Jones-Quartey has been playing early into preseason games. An injury may have been a part of it, but Bush or Hall may have been able to get onto the practice squad for a year.