Chicago Bears 53-man roster projection before preseason week 2

Now that the Chicago Bears' first preseason game is in the books we have been looking at which players have earned roster spots, and which have lost them. Before the team hits the field for preseason week two, it is a good time to take a bigger picture look at the 53-man roster. Where do things stand as of now?

Chicago Bears 53-man roster projection

Quarterback (2): Justin Fields, PJ Walker

The Chicago Bears could keep a third quarterback, but they would have no issue getting Nathan Peterman or Tyson Bagent onto the practice squad, so they may be the rare team that still takes the risk here.

Running back (5): Khalil Herbert, D'onta Foreman, Roschon Johnson, Trestan Ebner, Khari Blasingame

The big surprise here is Trestan Ebner taking the spot over Travis Homer. Ebner started over Homer, and while he got banged up, it was not as big of a disaster like it was when Ebner was a rookie. More than that, Ebner saw more special teams work over Homer, who was supposed to make the team for his ST skill set.

Wide Receivers (6): D.J. Moore, Chase Claypool, Darnell Mooney, Tyler Scott, Equanimeous St. Brown, Velus Jones

Velus Jones is one of those players right on the edge of the roster. He is losing the punt return job, he does not play offense, and he does not work any other phases of special teams. He needs to show more.

Tight end (3): Cole Kmet, Robert Tonyan, Marcedes Lewis

This is locked in, and there are few questions otherwise.

Offensive Line (9): Braxton Jones, Cody Whitehair, Teven Jenkins, Nate Davis, Darnell Wright, Lucas Patrick, Larry Borom, Ja'Tyre Carter, Logan Stenberg

The first eight appear to be locked in. The last spot may come down to Alex Leatherwood or Logan Stenberg. Leatherwood has not shown anything and has been pushed inside from tackle to guard. Stenberg was claimed on waivers because the team wants to see what he brings. He shows enough and wins the job.

Defensive Line (10): DeMarcus Walker, Andrew Billings, Justin Jones, Yannick Ngakoue, Rasheem Green, Gervon Dexter, Zacch Pickens, Dominique Robinson, Terrell Lewis, Trevis Gipson

The big question has been how many defensive linemen they keep and which ones. The edge rushers have been too solid in the preseason, and we are keeping Lewis and Gipson. This gives them six-edge rushers, but they can handle it, especially since this position is weaker than others.

Linebacker (5): Tremaine Edmunds, TJ Edwards, Jack Sanborn, Noah Sewell, Mykal Walker

You cannot make the club from the tub. That is why both Dylan Cole and DeMarquis Gates are now out, and Mykal Waler is in. Walker was just claimed on waivers, and not adding a sixth linebacker gives them the ability to add that tenth defensive lineman.

Cornerback (6): Tyrique Stevenson, Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Terell Smith, Josh Blackwell, Jaylon Jones

The top four spots are locked in. Josh Blackwell is still probably safe as the backup slot. The sixth spot will come down to Greg Stroman, Kindle Vildor, and Jaylon Jones. Jones excelled on special teams, which may lock him onto the roster,

Safety (4): Eddie Jackson, Jaquan Brisker, AJ Thomas, Elijah Hicks

Elijah Hicks started in place of Brisker, ensuring his status as a roster lock. A.J. Thomas is close to a lock, as Adrian Colbert and Kendall Williamson wait in the background as practice squad options.

Specialists (3): Cairo Santos, Trenton Gill, Patrick Scales