Identifying practice squad options on Chicago Bears
When the Chicago Bears play their final preseason game eyes will not be on Justin Fields or Darnell Mooney, but rather the depth names on the roster. This is a huge game for end-of-the-roster players and backups to get an extended look that they will not be seeing any other time.
If they can show something here it could be what keeps them in Chicago or in the NFL as a whole. Who are some players that could end up on the practice squad after this week?
Chicago Bears practice squad options
Quarterback
Nathan Peterman
With 16 practice squad spots, Peterman is probably a lock for one. You can laugh if you want, but he looks comfortable in the offense and obviously has stuck in the NFL for so long because he is good in the meeting rooms.
Running Back
Darrynton Evans, Demontre Tuggle
You would think that if Evans gets cut he would want to find a new home, but Tuggle should make the practice squad. He is a power runner who could be needed.
Wide Receiver
Dazz Newsome, Chris Finke, Kevin Shaa, Isaiah Coulter
Dazz Newsome is from a different front office and may want to get out if he does not make the team. The other three are prime candidates for the PS. Especially Coulter, who shined in the preseason, and Shaa, who is a rookie UDFA.
Tight End
Jake Tonges, Chase Allen
Chase Allen very well may make the roster, but both should be PS locks if they are not on the 53. Tonges is moving from tight end to fullback, so they should give him a year to pick things up.
Offensive Line
Jean Delance, Lachavious Simmons, Corey Dublin, Dieter Eiselen, Ja’tyre Carter
Jean Delance has hardly played, mostly because right tackle has been a big competition. It also could help them sneak him onto the PS. Simmons and Eiselen may want out considering the front office change. Carter will either make the 53, or end up here, and Dublin could go either way, as he was just signed last week.
Defensive Line
Micah Dew-Tredway, Lacale London
MDT may make the roster, but as a rookie UDFA, It is a toss-up. London may be a player who wants to find a new team.
Edge
Sam Kamara, Charles Snowden
Both of these players are from the old regime, so it will be up to them if they want to stay on the practice squad. Snowden will not make the team, but Kamara made enough noise this summer to get some looks. With his position being so valuable, he could be the rare cut who gets claimed by another team.
Linebacker
Caleb Johnson, Demarquis Gates
For Johnson, the question is the health of his knee, and also if he wants to play for the new front office, or try his luck elsewhere. Gates appears to be a PS lock after his strong performance in the preseason, which also makes Johnson more expendable.
Cornerback
BoPete Keyes, Lamar Jackson, Jaylon Jones
Jackson and Keyes are veterans, and one is likely to make the roster. The other could certainly find himself here, while Jaylon Jones is a rookie UDFA. He has been up and down in the preseason but has been willing on special teams, and that is what you should expect from a player like him. He should get a season on the PS.
Next. 5 winners from preseason week two. dark
Safety
AJ Thomas, Jon Alexander
AJ Thomas is a PS lock after his preseason and special teams performances. Jon Alexander could go either way, as the team already cut him once, then brought him back.
LOCKS
1. Nathan Peterman
2. DeMontre Tuggle
3. Kevin Shaa
4. Isaiah Coulter
5. Jake Tonges
6. Chase Allen
7. Jean Delance
8. Ja’Tyre Carter
9. Micah Dew-Treadway
10. Sam Kamara
11. Charles Snowden
12. Demarquis Gates
13. Jaylon Jones
14. AJ Thomas