These are the days we live for. The regular season is almost here. But that also means that one of the league's most brutal days is here: cutdown day. The Chicago Bears' roster will soon sit at 53 players, with dozens of others then scrambling to figure out what's next for their careers.
While there have been some key roster battles to this point, there's been very little mystery as to which players will wind up making the team. For the most part, I think it's safe to say we know a solid 50 players who will make this roster.
Depending on how injury statuses shake out, things could change a bit. But that's why I've also included players who could start the year on the injured reserve and PUP in our final roster prediction of the year.
Final Bears 53-man roster prediction ahead of preseason finale vs. Titans
Inside the bubble: Jack Sanborn, LB
Because of the injuries at linebacker, including T.J. Edwards working his way back as well, the Bears will keep Sanborn -- who is a good player, mind you. This coaching staff wasn't invested in Sanborn, which allowed him to go to Dallas last year, but now that he's back, he'll bring valuable depth to the group. He's a player who can step in and start in any given week, and the defense doesn't miss a whole lot.
Outside the bubble: Skyler Thomas, S
Despite some flashes in preseason, including an interception against Cincinnati, Skyler Thomas is simply too far back on the depth chart. The safeties ahead of him are just overall better players. Woods is a starter. Lewis is a valuable chess piece. And Hicks is strong depth with experience. Thomas has popped, though, and deserves practice squad consideration.
Inside the bubble: Salvon Ahmed, RB
The injury to Kyle Monangai gave hope to Salvon Ahmed to make this roster, and he's taken full advantage. Ahmed has looked shifty and like he can handle being a force in the passing game. Although Monangai's injury isn't considered serious, keeping Ahmed, at least initially, looks like a strong possibility.
Outside the bubble: Marcus Davenport, DE
Davenport has had a slow ramp-up period with the Bears in terms of getting acclimated, but by the time a final roster trim happens, how much will he really have been able to show? At this point in time, it'd be best for the Bears to cut ties and bring him back on the practice squad. From there, if he shows anything, they can elevate him when needed.
Inside the bubble: Kentavius Street, DT
This final defensive tackle spot could come down to either Kentavius Street or James Lynch, and we might be splitting hairs, but give me Street by just a tad. If it ends up being Lynch, though, it wouldn't be surprising.
Outside the bubble: Dontae Manning, CB
Coming up with three pass breakups against the Bengals firmly put Dontae Manning in conversation for a final spot on this roster. However, he did give up two late touchdowns in that one. You've got a little yin and yang to Manning, which leads me to believe he'll be back on the practice squad as a developmental player.
Quarterbacks: Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent, Case Keenum
Running Backs: D'Andre Swift, Kyle Monangai, Roschon Johnson, Salvon Ahmed
Wide Receivers: Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, Kalif Raymond, Jahdae Walker, Zavion Thomas
Tight Ends: Colston Loveland, Cole Kmet, Sam Roush
Offensive Line: Ozzy Trapilo, Joe Thuney, Garrett Bradbury, Jonah Jackson, Darnell Wright, Braxton Jones, Theo Benedet, Logan Jones, Jordan McFadden, Luke Newman
Defensive Line: Montez Sweat, Gervon Dexter Sr., Grady Jarrett, Austin Booker, Dayo Odeyingbo, Daniel Hardy, Jordan van den Berg, Neville Gallimore, James Lynch
Linebackers: T.J. Edwards, Devin Bush, D'Marco Jackson, Ruben Hyppolite, Jack Sanborn
Safeties: Dillon Thieneman, Xavier Woods, Cam Lewis, Elijah Hicks
Cornerbacks: Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, Malik Muhammad, Jaylon Jones, Josh Blackwell, Terell Smith
Specialists: Cairo Santos, Tory Taylor, Beau Gardner
Injured Reserve or PUP: Coby Bryant, Shemar Turner, Kyler Gordon, Noah Sewell, Nephi Sewell, Keyshaun Elliott
Read more: 3 Bears roster battles that have become more than a talking point
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