Anybody that has followed football for long enough understands that most roster decisions are made by the midway point of the preseason. After that, it’s about final evaluations and guys getting opportunities to put up good tape for other teams. This is why the Chicago Bears‘ upcoming road game in Seattle is likely the point of no return for many on the roster. A good performance might gain them a spot on the depth chart. A bad performance probably gets them cut.
It can be that thin of a margin. The question for Bears fans is which players face this exact scenario against the Seahawks. Since the game itself means nothing, watching these small battles makes it more intriguing. Here is a list of five names with the most to gain (or lose) on Thursday.
These Chicago Bears need to step it up fast.
Dazz Newsome (WR)
His touchdown catch and big end-around run against the Chiefs were nice moments. Still, Newsome’s muffed punt return was far more damaging to his roster status. If he is going to crack the final depth chart, it will be on special teams. Blundering on a return and failing to make a tackle in coverage did him no favors. Luckily no other receivers have made a big play on special teams, so he still has a chance. A quiet performance or another mistake, though, and he is likely finished.
Zachary Thomas (OG)
The Chicago Bears spent four draft picks on offensive linemen this year. It would be nice if all four managed to stand out. That was likely asking too much. Braxton Jones has looked terrific at left tackle, while Ja’Tyre Carter flashed in the opener against Kansas City. Meanwhile, 6th rounder Thomas hasn’t done much of anything. Nothing about him stood out in training camp, and he wasn’t overly impressive in his extended game action. Unless he delivers some standout blocks in Seattle, he feels destined for the practice squad.
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Charles Snowden (DE)
This is more a case of a crowded depth chart than poor performance. Snowden had a pressure and a special teams tackle against the Chiefs. Usually, that would put him in a good position. Unfortunately, the Bears already have three roster locks in Robert Quinn, Trevis Gipson, and Al-Quadin Muhammad. Then 5th round pick Dominique Robinson had a highlight reel sack. That means Snowden is battling Mario Edwards and Sam Kamara for maybe the fifth and final spot. Edwards is more proven, and Kamara had a better game as a pass rusher in the opener.
Duke Shelley (CB)
The former 6th round pick has survived on the roster for three seasons. His run of good fortune may finally be over. The Chicago Bears brought in several new faces at cornerback. Shelley hasn’t stood out in training camp. That is when he hasn’t been sidelined with injuries. Unless he returns against Seattle and delivers multiple big plays, the writing is on the wall for him. Even if he somehow survives the final cuts, there is a strong possibility the team could hunt for outside help via the waiver wire.
Elijah Hicks (S)
It was a great story when Hicks got drafted in the 7th round after all he went through. The Cal safety has plenty of talent to offer. His issue is two-fold. The Bears have plenty of capable bodies at safety, and he hasn’t made enough big plays to stand out. He showed some promise on special teams, though. That could be his ticket into the mix. Two or three tackles in the third phase or even a big play would help him avoid a likely practice squad trip.
Hicks will make the team.
What about safety Cruikshank? I haven’t heard anything about him except he was hurt early.