Chicago Bears: 5 bold predictions for final 2021 roster cuts

With the final preseason game within reach, the Chicago Bears will be facing some crucial decisions over the coming days.

NFL teams must cut their rosters down to the 53-man club by August 31, giving the Bears just four days to make dozens of tough calls. With a few roster spots up for grabs at this stage, fans are eager to see just what Matt Nagy and his coaching staff will do.

Before the roster is final just days from now, speculation runs wild. No one knows exactly what those 53 men will look like, but we can certainly have a little fun taking some guesses.

What will Nagy and his staff decide? Who knows — but, let’s get a little bold. These five bold predictions come in all shapes and sizes. Some are a bit mild, while others might knock you off your seat. Let’s get to it.

1. Chicago Bears Roster Predictions: Bears keep Ryan Nall

Somehow, someway, running back Ryan Nall is going to end up on this roster once again. There is a world in which this happens, especially after Chicago released undrafted running back CJ Marable the other day. Now, it’s between Nall and Artavis Pierce for what could be the fourth running back kept on the 53-man roster.

We have to remember one major aspect of the running back situation, and that’s the recovery of Tarik Cohen from an ACL injury he suffered last year.

Recently, head coach Matt Nagy gave an update (or lack thereof) on Cohen’s rehab and timetable (or lack thereof) for a return. Nagy didn’t have a whole lot to say other than Cohen is going through his rehab process and is making progress. Still, there was no date given. Now, the likelihood of Cohen ending up on the short-term IR is much higher.

Because of that, Nall or Pierce would stick around on the roster. Nagy likely trusts Nall more, therefore he could make the final roster — until Cohen comes back, of course.

The Bears will be giving David Montgomery plenty of touches, with Damien Williams sprinkles in here and there. Khalil Herbert will contribute on special teams and might even see a third down or two on offense. Nall probably won’t play outside of maybe special teams, but he’ll be there when it’s all said and done in a few days.