Chicago Bears Initial 53-man Roster: Ben Johnson sends a strong statement with top surprises made during cutdown day
The Chicago Bears have trimmed the roster down to create the initial 53-man roster. Here are the biggest surprises, both good and bad, from Sunday’s roster moves.
The Chicago Bears released their initial 53-man roster after the cutdown deadline, and the keyword there is “initial.” Things are subject to change, and they will change quickly. For now, here’s what the 53-man roster looks like.
The most notable move to watch next, the Bears have not yet placed safety Coby Bryant on injured reserve, a move they can make that would open another roster spot, presumably for linebacker Jack Sanborn. Chicago currently carries only four linebackers on the 53-man roster after releasing Sanborn, who as a veteran is not subject to waivers.
With that context in mind, here are some of the surprise decisions from what the Bears did at the roster deadline.
The youth movement has arrived for Ben Johnson’s squad
The Bears kept 11 rookies on this initial 53-man roster, including four undrafted free agents: safety Skylar Thomas, defensive tackle Jayden Loving, tight end Hayden Large, and long snapper Beau Gardner. The entire rookie draft class made the roster as well.
This was desperately needed in Chicago. All of these players are guys that head coach Ben Johnson wanted to bring to this program. He identified them, vetted them, and brought them in. That speaks volumes about the direction of the franchise and the kind of culture Johnson is building.
And it came at the cost of multiple draft picks and additions made by the previous coaching regime. Johnson and Dennis Allen finally have a large supply of “their guys” in the building now for the future.
Jamree Kromah finally rewarded for his strong preseason
Jamree Kromah was a standout throughout the preseason at the defensive end spot. There was thought the Bears would keep veteran Marcus Davenport given his experience with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, but Chicago released Davenport instead and kept Kromah on the initial roster.
As a veteran, Davenport does not have to go through waivers and could easily return on the practice squad. That would give him time to get acclimated to game shape while still being available for elevation for up to three games before requiring a promotion to the active roster.
For Kromah, the message is clear: you earned it during the preseason, now earn it during the regular season. He certainly deserved this opportunity after first joining the Bears back in 2024 and having to get cut twice before earning this moment.
The Bears finally have a sense of clarity at left tackle, and ripped off one Band-Aid
The Bears explored trade possibilities for Kiran Amegadjie, the former third-round pick, who ultimately was waived and I’d be shocked if he’s back. Chicago also released Jedrick Wills Jr., the former Cleveland Browns first-round pick signed to a one-year veteran minimum deal. Wills was injured during Thursday’s joint practice against the Tennessee Titans and was released with an injury designation. I see Wills back on the practice squad.
That leaves only four tackles on the roster: Braxton Jones and Ozzy Trapilo at left tackle, Darnell Wright at right tackle, and Theo Benedet as the swing tackle. The great news here is Trapilo. He’s not being placed back on IR and not missing four games. He’s ready to go and back in action. Braxton Jones likely starts Week 1, and then it becomes a matter of how long it takes Trapilo to get into game shape before he can compete for the left tackle spot.
More time needed for Shemar Turner, and will Kyler Gordon ever make it back on the field for the Bears?
Shemar Turner and Kyler Gordon were each moved from the active PUP list to the reserve PUP list, meaning they cannot practice for four weeks and then have a 21-day window to practice and eventually get activated to the roster.
Turner is still coming back from a torn Achilles injury and could not return during the training camp process, so the Bears are giving him more time. Losing that kind of depth along the defensive line for at least a month is a tough blow.
As for Gordon, at this point, who knows if he even comes back and plays another game with the Bears. This has become one of the more frustrating situations on the roster, and the uncertainty surrounding his availability does not help a secondary that needs all the help it can get.
Kaden Davis, a preseason standout, surprisingly did not make the initial cut after all
I felt Kaden Davis deserved a spot as the sixth wide receiver. The Bears are keeping only five: Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, Kalif Raymond, Zavion Thomas, and Jahdae Walker. That decision makes sense given Johnson’s plan to lean more into 13 personnel and multi-tight end sets this season, which is why he kept Hayden Large as the fourth tight end.
Still, Davis was a standout throughout training camp and the preseason. He worked his way up into catching passes with the first-team, proved himself as a great blocker, and contributed on special teams. He did everything asked of him. The Bears just didn’t feel the need to keep six wide receivers, and Davis was the odd man out despite a strong case for a roster spot. An unfortunate reality and familiar outcome for Davis, who should be a top practice squad candidate.
