The clock is winding down for the Chicago Bears. They must trim the 90-man roster to 53 players, and with one preseason game left, the hard decisions are arriving. Most spots look set, but a few final battles remain. Roster projections from sites like Windy City Gridiron and others are starting to firm up around these last open slots.
The Quarterback Room Stays Put
No one expects movement at quarterback. Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent, and Case Keenum form the expected trio. Miller Moss has not done enough in the preseason to push Keenum out of the third-string role. Keeping the same three gives Williams a familiar support system as he enters his second season.
The running back group is tighter. D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai are locks. Roschon Johnson is the likely third. If the Bears keep a fourth back, Salvon Ahmed has made a case with special-teams contributions and solid preseason rushing averages. The team carried four backs last year but lacks a clear special-teams standout like Travis Homer provided in 2025.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends in Flux
The top wide receiver spots appear secure: Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, Kalif Raymond, Jahdae Walker, and Zavion Thomas. The real fight is for a possible sixth spot. Kaden Davis has shown well as a receiver and on special teams, and his practice-squad eligibility makes him an easy stash. Scotty Miller or Maurice Alexander would cost a veteran practice-squad spot, which limits flexibility. Some projections lean toward Miller for his special-teams value; others prefer Davis.
On the tight end side, the Bears are expected to use more 13 personnel this season, which points toward keeping four. Colston Loveland, Cole Kmet, and Sam Roush form the clear top three. Hayden Large has shown solid run-blocking ability and contributed on special teams, making him a candidate for the fourth spot.
One Game Left to Prove It
The final preseason game will give the last group of bubble players one more chance to force their way onto the roster. The Bears cannot project every waiver claim or practice-squad signing, and more than a thousand free agents will hit the market after cuts league-wide. The numbers and tape will decide most of it, but one strong play or a specific roster need can still create a surprise.
Who gets cut remains the question every fan is asking. The Bears have the data. The final 53 will still leave some tough choices.
