The Buffalo Bills are paying a visit to Soldier Field for Week 2 of the NFL preseason. That means the Chicago Bears will continue their roster evaluations and hopefully get some key players needed snaps in preparation for a long year ahead. Everybody will be focused on Justin Fields as usual, but that won’t be the only thing happening. At least not where the Bears scouts are concerned.
They’ll be busy watching other players on the field. Including those from the other team. What often gets forgotten is that most of the players seen on the field in preseason aren’t going to be on the main roster come September. What the Bears want to find out is if any potential cuts by the Bills might have a spot of some kind in Chicago.
Here are a few names fans should keep in mind with the game looming on Saturday.
Chicago Bears should monitor a couple of names carefully
Jake Kumerow (WR)
If that name looks familiar, it should. Kumerow is the former Green Bay Packers wide receiver who is a native of Chicago. He became a favorite of quarterback Aaron Rodgers before the team unceremoniously cut him. A move that made the QB deeply unhappy. Kumerow landed in Buffalo and became a part-time backup. While he’s reportedly had a strong training camp, the Bills are deep at wide receiver. Enough to where they may have to sacrifice him. If so, the Bears should definitely be interested. Kumerow is better than his numbers indicate and he’s also a standout on special teams. Something they need.
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MACtion is back!
My highest-ranked senior NFL prospect in the conference is @MiamiOHFootball OT Tommy Doyle (6-7, 315).
Doyle (#54) more than held his own at left tackle vs. Iowa’s AJ Epenesa last year. pic.twitter.com/dEmC7Jd46A
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) November 4, 2020
Tommy Doyle (OL)
The Chicago Bears offensive line has had its fair share of issues since last year. Injuries have played a big part in that, straining their depth to the limits. That is why they could be on the lookout for any possible help. Doyle is their kind of guy. A strong pass protector with experience playing both tackle spots coming out of Miami (Ohio). Would the Bills actually cut the 5th round pick? Some around the team think it’s possible depending on if they seek some veteran help for the tackle spots. If so, Juan Castillo would love a guy like Doyle who is big, long, and nasty.
Vernon Butler (DL)
The former 1st round pick finally seemed to find his stride in 2019, racking up six sacks with the Carolina Panthers. Then he signed a two-year $15 million deal with Buffalo. For that they got zero sacks last season. It’s always been fair to wonder if Butler has played in the wrong style of defense. While big enough for a defensive tackle in a 4-3, his athleticism and long arms made him seem like a much more obvious fit as a 3-4 defensive end. The Bears have always been good at elevating defensive linemen. If Butler gets booted, he may find a welcoming home in Chicago.
