Initial Bears 53-man roster sees recent draft dud get another chance

The Chicago Bears have officially set their initial 53-man roster to open the 2024 season.

The key word is initial as it would seem likely that the roster will undergo several changes before the start of the regular season on September 8.

One of the biggest question marks entering cut day was what the Bears were going to do with 2022 third-round draft pick, Velus Jones Jr. Jones, given the additions the Bears made at wide receiver in addition to bringing in return specialist DeAndre Carter, seemed to be facing an uphill climb to make the 53-man roster to open the season.

The climb was successful for Jones as he is listed among the wide receivers on the Bears' first roster of the season. It's worth noting that Jones spent the final weeks of the preseason working with the running backs, so the injury to Ian Wheeler may have aided his ability to make the roster.

Bears' general manager Ryan Poles seems to be determined to find a way for Jones to fit on the roster. Given the improvements that the Bears have made at the skill positions this offseason, there shouldn't be much of an emphasis on Jones' offensive ability or lack thereof. Instead, if he can prove to be special in terms of returning kickoffs, it may keep him on the roster beyond this season.

Another surprise is the fact that Daniel Hardy made the Bears' 53-man roster as well. With Matt Eberflus recently tipping the Bears' hand with regard to Dominique Robinson making the roster, Hardy seemed to be the odd man out after the trade for Darrell Taylor. Hardy, who impressed with his pass rush ability during the preseason, was deserving of a spot on the roster.

Full back Khari Blasingame was not included on the Bears' initial 53-man roster but given his value within the locker room, the expectation is that he will be on the roster by the time that the season starts.