Bears Roster Bubble: Five Draft Picks Face Final Audition Against Titans
Several recent Chicago Bears draft picks may be making their final appearance with the team in Saturday's preseason finale against Tennessee. Offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie has struggled in exhibition play, allowing six pressures over two games, and could lose his roster spot. Linebacker Ruben Hyppolite, a 2025 fourth-round pick, also faces an uncertain future after a disappointing rookie season.
The Bears must finalize their 53-man roster by Sunday, Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. ET, just one day after Saturday's preseason finale against Tennessee. Amegadjie's path to the roster is complicated by multiple factors: he has surrendered six pressures across 70 preseason snaps, and the team already has Braxton Jones, Theo Benedet, and Jedrick Wills ahead of him at tackle. Whether Ozzy Trapilo lands on injured reserve could determine if a fourth tackle spot even exists.
Hyppolite's competition for a linebacker roster spot includes Jack Sanborn, who holds an edge in special teams contributions. At running back, Johnson is battling Salvon Ahmed for the No. 3 role, though Kyle Monangai's hyperextended knee could shift the calculus. The Bears may also look outside the current roster for a third back, leaving Johnson's status uncertain.
This roster crunch could shape the Bears' depth at several positions entering the regular season, potentially affecting on-field performance if injuries strike early. For the players involved, the outcome determines their immediate NFL futures and career trajectories. Fans may see familiar names depart, altering expectations for the team's competitive ceiling. The decisions also signal the front office's evaluation priorities, which could influence how the roster is judged throughout the season.