6 Players the Chicago Bears Will Regret Leaving off the 53-Man Roster in 2024
By Peter Jurich
Wide Receiver Collin Johnson
As is the case for many players around the league, receiver Collin Johnson unfortunately could not stay healthy during the preseason, a direct factor in his release from the team. Now, that is not to say that the Bears cut Johnson because of injury concerns, but rather, the receiver was not able to fully display his abilities due to his circumstances.
Going back to the Hall of Fame game on August 1, Collin Johnson seemed like a near lock to make the team after a two-touchdown outing to start the preseason. Despite not being able to contribute beyond the first exhibition, Johnson is expected to rejoin the team's practice squad. Johnson served as a practice squad member in Chicago a year ago, and if the big-framed, sure-handed receiver can continue to build upon his progress this fall, a spot on a roster - with the Bears or elsewhere - should be on the horizon for the 26-year-old.
Linebacker Micah Baskerville
Former LSU linebacker Micah Baskerville was all over the defense throughout the preseason, including an impressive pick-six against the Buffalo Bills, but the reserve defender was unfortunately unable to find a place on the team's final roster. With an established group of starters and several backups that the Bears have invested more assets into, Baskerville was always facing an uphill climb to come out of training camp on the right side of the cuts.
Still, Baskerville's performance will likely earn him a spot on the team's practice squad, if not a more fruitful opportunity with another club either now or during the regular season. And even if he does not stick around in Chicago, there are worse ways to spend a fall than taking a linebacker crash course from coach Matt Eberflus.