The Chicago Bears are getting closer to limiting their roster down to 53. However, they will also be able to bring 15 players back to the practice squad. After two preseason games, these players have looked good enough to make the practice squad, even though they have not made up enough ground to make the roster.
5. Tommy Sweeney
Tommy Sweeny is a former seventh-round pick by the Buffalo Bills going back to 2019. Like most tight ends, it has taken him a few years to get accustomed to the NFL. However, as a late round pick, that means fighting for a job every year.
Sweeney stuck in Buffalo for his rookie contract before following Brian Daboll to the New York Giants, where he played last season. This year, he wants to catch on with the Bears.
It is only two games, but Sweeney is the leading receiver on the team. He has caught all five of his targets and has 76 yards to show for it. He also has a touchdown grab. He is fourth on the team in snaps played and leads all non-offensive linemen.
The reality is that Sweeney faces an uphill climb to the roster. Cole Kmet and Gerald Everett are fighting to start, and Marcedes Lewis is locked into that third tight-end role. A fourth tight end could make the roster, but the Bears are a team looking to either keep five running backs or six receivers, so the math gets hard.
Sweeney is good enough that Chicago cannot let him get away, but not good enough to win a final roster spot. They would love for him to circle back to the practice squad.