Bears face final roster cuts after preseason rout of Titans
Chicago closed its preseason with a 24-15 victory over Tennessee, highlighted by Tyson Bagent's 208 passing yards and two touchdowns. General manager Ryan Poles must submit the team's initial 53-man roster by Sunday evening. The projected roster retains all three quarterbacks, including starter Caleb Williams.
Chicago's preseason finale showcased depth at several positions, with Tyson Bagent completing 16 of 17 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns, while Zavion Thomas contributed 140 receiving yards and a 39-yard punt return. General manager Ryan Poles faces a 5 p.m. CT Sunday deadline to finalize the initial 53-man roster, though practice squad flexibility softens the blow for released players.
The projected roster keeps all three quarterbacks, including starter Caleb Williams, with Case Keenum serving as a veteran resource. Running back Kyle Monangai's knee injury could open a spot for Salvon Ahmed, while wide receiver Kaden Davis appears to have outperformed several competitors during camp. Coach Ben Johnson has expressed strong confidence in backup Bagent, calling him an elite reserve.
This roster decision could shape the Bears' season trajectory and directly affect dozens of players' careers, as those cut will scramble for practice squad spots or opportunities elsewhere. Fans and analysts may gauge Poles' judgment based on these choices, potentially influencing public confidence in the front office. The quarterback depth decision, in particular, could prove significant if Williams misses time, making the backup role a quiet but consequential factor in the team's competitiveness.