3 Chicago Bears Who Locked Up a Roster Spot After Pre-Season Week 1

The Chicago Bears' first regularly scheduled preseason game of 2024 is in the books, and many players shined en route to a 33 - 6 victory over the Buffalo Bills. While much of the attention went to the starting group and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the first team played just one quarter, leaving the reserves with the majority of the game to perform.

Even against potentially inferior talent, these non-starter preseason reps are extremely valuable, especially for fringe roster players who are trying to make a name for themselves ahead of the inevitable cut-down day at the end of training camp. Fortunately for the following three players, all made game-changing plays on Saturday afternoon, and their performances in the win will likely buy them some more time in the orange and navy.

Micah Baskerville

Starting on the defensive side of the ball, second-year linebacker Micah Baskerville came into camp as a deep reserve in the linebacker room, but explosive plays throughout the Bills game may propel him up the depth chart ahead of the regular season.

Most notably, Baskerville was responsible for the game's sole interception, as the LSU product jumped a curl route in the middle of the field less than a minute into the fourth quarter. Baskerville came down with the interception and returned it 53 yards for a touchdown. Adding on two solo tackles, Baskerville's stat sheet from Saturday was far from perfect, but the young and hungry player was swift in his movements, both in coverage and as a pass rusher.

Baskerville is competing for playing time in a position group with three quality players in Tremaine Edmunds, TJ Edwards, and Jack Sanborn. Still, the second-year backer is in a good position to earn more snaps on defense throughout the preseason and could be a valuable defensive reserve and special teamer on the final roster. Baskerville will need to continue to be a playmaker over the next three exhibitions, but if he can keep making big plays on the field, he may have a spot on this team for 2024.

Velus Jones Jr

Third-year player Velus Jones Jr has had a few ups and downs throughout his short NFL career, but it appears that the talented Tennesee product is set to contribute in a new role offensively in 2024.

On Saturday, the former receiver lined up primarily in the backfield, letting the offense get the ball in Jones's hands quickly without the possibility of tight coverage or drops downfield. Jones is an explosive ball carrier, and he shined in his new role with just six carries, which he turned into 34 yards a touchdown. At 6'0" 220 lbs, Jones has the size to withstand some hits coming out of the backfield and could be slotted to perform in a Cordarelle Patterson-type role this season.

Jones's roster spot is likely safe if for no other reason than his return abilities, but he remains an interesting offensive weapon that has yet to be unlocked fully. With a lot of talent in both the receiver and running back rooms, Jones's versatility should help him be a more prominent feature of the Bears offense in 2024.

Ian Wheeler

Last but not least, runningback Ian Wheeler opened Saturday as the team's fifth and final running back, but his impressive performance against the Bills may result in him moving up a slot in the pecking order.

Undrafted out of Howard University, Wheeler did not see the field until the team's final two drives in the fourth quarter. However, the back made the most of his limited opportunities, turning five carries into 43 yards and two touchdowns. Scoring from eight yards and seven yards out, Wheeler exhibited a level of physicality not often seen in roster bubble players, and his impressive 8.6 yards per carry is a testament to his ability to avoid the first tackler.

With D'Andre Swift, Khalil Herbert, and Roschon Johnson all practically locks to make the Bears' final roster, Wheeler is likely competing with Travis Homer for the team's final runningback spot. Homer did not have a bad game himself, but Wheeler walked away with more production than the former Seattle Seahawk. Wheeler will likely continue to get good looks in the backfield throughout the preseason, but he could be the answer to help fill out the position group with just a touch more physicality and aggressiveness.