Many teams will treat the preseason finale with as little importance as possible. That doesn’t seem to be the case for the Chicago Bears. Head coach Matt Eberflus plans to play the starters most of the first half. That clearly indicates the coaching staff is taking the last exhibition seriously. It is also a message to everybody on the roster that they should be too. This will be the last opportunity for many of them to make an impression.
The depth chart isn’t set in stone yet. Multiple starting jobs remain up for grabs, and the bottom of the roster continues to churn. Standing out in practice is great, but it means nothing if players can’t carry it over into actual games. That is why the Cleveland Browns matchup, however meaningless on the scoreboard, will be a final audition for many. Here are five names that need to bring their best.
Multiple Chicago Bears need a good performance against Cleveland.
RB Darrynton Evans
The hierarchy at running back appears set in stone, with David Montgomery leading the way, followed by Khalil Herbert and rookie Trestan Ebner. Things have since become somewhat complicated as both Herbert and Ebner are nursing injuries. This may force the Bears to take precautions by carrying an extra running back. Evans hasn’t had an overly impressive preseason with 15 carries for 59 yards, a touchdown, and five catches for 13 yards. With little to offer on special teams, his status hangs in limbo.
Rewatching this play:
This cut by Trestan Ebner 😮💨
Not talked about though is this incredible downfield blocking by Dante Pettis. Stuff like this is what makes you standout as the WR4-6 trying to make a roster. pic.twitter.com/PimnBlG78V
— Joseph Herff (@JosephHerffNFL) August 16, 2022
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WR Dante Pettis
Injuries have ravaged the Chicago Bears wide receiver position. Byron Pringle and N’Keal Harry remain out. Velus Jones and Tajae Sharpe haven’t practiced most of this week. Dazz Newsome got cut. It is a fluid situation where anybody has a chance to make a statement. Pettis had a big 4th down conversion against Kansas City but has otherwise been silent. His four chances at punt returns have produced nine total yards. If he can’t make a statement against Cleveland, then the odds favor Chicago hunting for outside receiving help.
OG Teven Jenkins
Even the Bears coaching staff seemed somewhat surprised at how functional Jenkins looked playing guard in Seattle. He’d only started practicing there for the first time a few days prior. That offered a hopeful indication the former 2nd round pick could get significantly better. There is an undercurrent of belief that one more strong showing may lock up his starting right guard spot. On the other hand, poor performance may urge the Bears to go with veteran Michael Schofield instead. So there is a lot on the line in this game for Jenkins.
An underrated part of Teven Jenkins game last week was his ability to recover when beat. Jenkins oversets and gets beat by an inside swim. But he has the athleticism to still stay in between his guy and the QB. The guy just needs more reps but the tools are there pic.twitter.com/MRAYlxEHlx
— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) August 22, 2022
DE Sam Kamara
Under normal circumstances, Kamara would be a lock to make the roster. He’s been the Bears’ most productive pass rusher through two preseason games, racking up nine pressures and a sack on opposing quarterbacks. The problem is the depth chart ahead of him appears mostly set with Robert Quinn, Trevis Gipson, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and 5th round pick Dominique Robinson. That leaves one spot likely left, and most believe it is reserved for veteran Mario Edwards Jr. The only way that changes is if Kamara can put together one more good game to leave no doubts.
CB Duke Shelley
Like wide receiver, injuries have haunted the Bears at cornerback. Tavon Young and Thomas Graham Jr. have missed most of training camp. That leaves nickel corner in a shaky spot. It looks like rookie Kyler Gordon will see lots of action there. Shelley has made a business out of surviving final cuts in the past. Even so, his quiet preseason to this point isn’t doing him any favors. The former 6th round pick faces a do-or-die moment. He must either produce a big play on defense or find a way to stand out on special teams.
@tommy griffin…ESB has been exactly what Getsy wanted him to be and he will remain as one of the top 4 WRs for this offense. His first job is to clear out defenders from doubling D Mooney and being that additional run and pass blocker, both of which he is extremely good at doing. Pettis’s best shot is continuing to excel with special team opportunities. Pringle and NK Harry are locked with Mooney, as well as V Jones. ESB is a lock also based on the role Getsy has laid out for him in this offense….
If you listen to what the coaches said about Pettis and our Tom Thayer, he’s a smooth player with great hands and route running, he didn’t get a lot in because of early injury setback. I agree with Tom Thayer here, he makes it unless he drops a total dud. ESB has been practicing all camp with the ones and his stats is worse than Pettis who has never practiced with the ones. ESB has been the real disappearing act in preseason games but he knows the system should be his last year after this season with Bears especially since… Read more »
There are other factors that the team will consider. Who is practice squad eligible? What players might last through waivers and remain available for the PS? What injured guys make the roster and how soon will each of them be back? Who might go on IR with the designation to return? What veterans might be signed from other teams’ cuts? What veterans will be available after week 1 when a team can save a ton by waiting to sign them? Even the “final” roster will be a bit fluid. I’m glad Poles is taking a Seattle-like approach with the bottom… Read more »
Regarding Jenkins, I’ve got the feeling that he is the RG going forward. It seems like they are going to leave him there so he can grow and they’ll re-evaluate at the end of the season.