Brandon Zeman – Flickr
The Chicago Bears wrapped up the preseason with an exhibition game against the Cleveland Browns. Now that the game is over the final cut down of the roster from 75 to 53 begins. Some surprising cuts have taken place already though. Adrian Wilson proved he doesn’t have the speed to compete anymore and was released. Jordan Palmer started camp as Jay Cutler’s prime back-up but dropped behind Jimmy Clausen to third and is now enjoying life in sunny Buffalo. Eric Weems was a top candidate to replace Devin Hester on returns, but a poor showing at both receiver and on special teams against the Jacksonville Jaguars a few weeks ago led to his release. Last season’s Nickelback, Isaiah Frey, was cut favoring the move of Tim Jennings inside while rookie Kyle Fuller fills in at corner. Former special teamer and perennial back-up safety Craig Steltz was fighting for in a deep group of safety’s and the hard hitting back saw his time in Chicago come to a close as well. With some interesting cuts already, here are 5 players who are at risk of being cut this weekend.
1) Michael Spurlock WR/KR: Spurlock is currently atop the depth chart for returns, however he is a receiver as well. His prime competition is Chris Williams who’s shown some big play ability on offense and has been serviceable as a return man. If Spurlock can’t wow the coaches on returns or prove he can be a reliable back-up he may be looking for a job next week.
2) Chris Conte FS: Conte has been often criticized since he joined the Bears as a 3rd round draftee in 2011. Often times he’s looked lost or out matched by his opposition. After a 2013 run riddled with mistakes, Conte spent most of the off season recovering from shoulder surgery and then suffered a concussion in his preseason return against the Seattle Seahawks last week. He’s spent his last few seasons as a starter but is third on the depth chart behind Danny McCray and rookie Brock Vereen. If Conte plays, he’ll have to execute with precision in order to validate the Bears keeping him for the last year of his contract.
3) Senorise Perry RB: Perry is competing for a spot that just may not exist. As it stands now, the back-up for Matt Forte is Shaun Draughn and 4th round pick Ka’deem Carey. With Forte up front, a Running Back by committee situation isn’t happening in Chicago and 2 back-ups is plenty. Perry is in competition with the aforementioned Spurlock and Williams for the return gig. If Perry can prove his worth on special teams then he can possibly hold on to a spot. If not he may be a prime candidate for the practice squad.
4) Santonio Holmes WR: Even though Holmes came in late in the preseason, he’s still been outplayed by Josh Morgan as the number 3 receiver. The Bears probably won’t hold on to more than 6 recievers at the most. If Holmes plays like he used to then he will be a valuable member of a vicious passing attack with an opportunity to redeem himself after his less than spectacular run with the New York Jets. Otherwise, I expect to see him on the open market again.
5) Armanti Edwards WR/KR: This is, arguably, the safest bet to be cut on this list. Edwards is deep on the depth charts for both his positions. He has never been impressive at the professional level. His catches are few and his returns, while serviceable, are nothing special. Edwards will have to go above and beyond tonight in order to secure a position on this offense.
These five players have a big opportunity tonight. If they rise to the occasion then they can secure a spot. If not then they will fall by the wayside, left searching for reserve roles, filling in practice squads, and waiting for injuries to give them a role in the NFL this season.
Chris Kazmierczak is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on twitter or Facebook.
