Roster set for opening day.. but don’t blink
As Saturday’s deadline approached, the Chicago Bears made their roster moves, leaving many fans and reporters scratching their heads.
The roster for the 2017 Chicago Bears is set and reactions are mixed, at best. Gone are last year’s camp favorite Daniel Braverman and this year’s camp surprise player Tanner Gentry. Don’t blink Bears fans. This first edition of the roster will change quickly.
At first glance the roster does reveal their plans on offense. This unit is going to rely heavily on the running game. Jordan Howard will lead the running game and Jeremy Langford will be his main backup. Tarik Cohen is the change of pace man, something the offense lacked a season ago.
With five tight ends and a full back also on the roster, it is obvious the Bears plan on a run-heavy approach on offense. As Ryan Pace and the scouting department scan through the waiver wire, don’t be surprised to see one TE missing before the team hits the practice field Wednesday morning.
Their are only five wide receiverss on this opening roster. While Bears fans are now hoping cut rookie free agent Tanner Gentry will clear waivers and be available for their prac
tice squad. The 10 man unit can be assembled after 1:00 PM EDT, Sunday.
More from Bear Goggles On
- Franchise tag and transition tag windows open for Chicago Bears and NFL
- How the Chicago Bears can control the running back market in 2023
- The Chicago Bears can own the city of Chicago moving forward
- Chicago Bears NFL Combine Preview: Quarterback
- 7 best free agent tackle options for Chicago Bears
One of the biggest surprises on the roster was Pernell McPhee was removed from the PUP list and is on the 53 man roster. McPhee had minor surgery on his knee at the opening of summer camp, and many thought he would be lost for the beginning of the regular season for the second consecutive season. It will remain to be seen how effective McPhee will be after missing all of the preseason, but his addition is a welcome site to the defense.
Former Chiefs DL, Jaye Howard was cut in what was somewhat of a surprise move. Slowed by a hip injury, Howard was showing steady improvement.
Lamarr Houston was placed on IR after a minor injury during the last preseason game, Thursday night. The Bears hope to reach an injury settlement. Houston would then be free to sign with another team.
One of the bright spots from this year, rookie Roy Robertson-Harris, made the roster. He consistently flashed all preseason, earning a spot on the DL rotation.
While this is roster version 1.0, expect to see 2 or three moves to the 53 man roster. Veteran help at WR is a need as is another veteran along the defensive line. The Bears have until noon Sunday to place waiver claims and their spot at 3rd overall during the waiver period gives them plenty of opportunity to find a solid addition to the roster.
Next: Have no fear Tanner Gentry will clear waivers
Ryan Pace now has 45 players on the roster that have been added since his arrival. Of the remaining players, only 4 are draftees selected prior to Pace becoming the GM. There will undoubtably be a few revisions prior to Wednesday’s first practice. This team has far more talent at most positions and while many national analysts think the Bears are destined to finish last in the NFC North, there is a quiet optimism in the Bears locker room.
It all starts September 10th.