4 Bears non-starters who don’t need to play another preseason snap

Have we seen enough? Is it time to shut down the preseason?

That's the argument from some, out there, after a couple of weeks of exhibitions. I'm neither here nor there on that issue, but after two preseason games, I can tell you there are quite a few Chicago Bears players I'd like to see get put on the shelf.

At this stage, the Bears' final preseason matchup against the Tennessee Titans should be utilized for bubble players and guys who will need some strong film in order to get their next opportunity elsewhere.

For Ben Johnson and company, I'm focusing solely on a few players who aren't necessarily starters. But, these guys have shown enough and don't need to risk injury in the team's preseason finale.

Ben Johnson needs to sit these 4 Bears players against the Titans

Jahdae Walker, WR

All it took was one catch against the Bengals for Jahdae Walker to get the attention of national media. That's exactly what he ended the game with -- one catch. And that one catch was a highlight reel in and of itself. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler gave him some love, posting the video of his catch against Cincinnati along with the caption, "Looks like the Bears got another playmaker emerging."

I'd love to see Walker as the Bears' WR3, but Kalif Raymond has had a phenomenal camp. It's a good problem to have. Still, Walker has proven he deserves more playing time, and I think he'll get it in 2026 -- just not in the preseason.

Jordan van den Berg, DT

This is more than just a preseason darling. The rookie sixth-round pick has proven he belongs. He's proven he deserves ample playing time. We have seen him collapse pockets, create havoc in the back field and win one-on-one matchups several times in just two preseason games.

He's given Dennis Allen a lot to think about with being surrounded by some respected veterans. But van den Berg might be one of the best players in that defensive line room. To put him back out there in another preseason game would be silly. He's shown enough. We don't need to see any more. He's not only earned a spot on the roster, but could be an integral part of this unit in 2026.

Ruben Hyppolite, LB

After once being laughed at as a Ryan Poles fourth-round pick, Ruben Hyppolite has done plenty to earn his role as maybe the best depth linebacker in the room. He's posted 14 total tackles, one for a loss, and a pass breakup in two preseason games this year.

With Noah and Nephie Sewell, along with rookie Keyshaun Elliott being hurt, the Bears' linebacker depth is in rough shape. Hyppolite is a valuable reserve, and the second-year pro shouldn't be in need of snaps against Tennessee. He's had a strong first two showings, and that's sufficient.

Sam Roush, TE

Like van den Berg, Sam Roush is another one of those rookie picks who scored extremely high on the RAS (Relative Athletic Score) prior to being drafted.

After securing four receptions for 45 yards in his two preseason games, thus far, I've seen enough from Roush. There is no need to put him back out there. The athleticism shows up, especially after the catch. The Bears' top three tight ends are all valuable and, most importantly, they're healthy.

Let's keep it that way.

Caleb Williams, Colston Loveland, Rome Odunze and the majority of the Bears' starters should sit vs. the Titans

This should go without saying, but almost all of the starters should rest against the Titans. The only real pain points or question marks are at left tackle and nickel.

Braxton Jones and Theo Benedet need all the snaps they can get, because neither one has been able to run away with the job.

Meanwhile, the starting nickel still hasn't been determined. Dennis Allen's usage of the slot corner has the potential to create a game-changing weapon, and maybe that ends up being rookie Malik Muhammad. But we still need to see more.

As for Caleb Williams and all of the other big names, they can sit. That's a given.

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