The Chicago Bears are in the final phase of trimming their roster from 90 to the league-mandated 53 players by the Tuesday deadline at 3 p.m. CT. This year, the NFL has shifted to a single cutdown day after preseason, meaning all final roster moves will be completed at once rather than in multiple waves.
What to know as cuts unfold
– The club is balancing the need to cut down efficiently with giving players one last chance to prove themselves before the Week 1 opener against the Minnesota Vikings.
– After unveiling the 53-man roster, Chicago will turn its attention to building the practice squad, where some of the players who just missed the initial cut are likely to land.
– While the initial 53-man count is a milestone, it isn’t the final word for week-to-week rosters, as teams can shuffle players in and out after waiver claims and practice-squad adjustments.
Bears 53-man roster (updated live)
– QB Caleb Williams
– QB Tyson Bagent
– QB Case Keenum
– RB D’Andre Swift
– RB Roschon Johnson
– RB Kyle Monangai
– WR DJ Moore
– WR Rome Odunze
– WR Olamide Zaccheaus
– WR Luther Burden III
– WR Devin Duvernay
– WR Jahdae Walker
– TE Colston Loveland
– TE Cole Kmet
– TE Durham Smythe
– OL Braxton Jones
– OL Joe Thuney
– OL Drew Dalman
– OL Jonah Jackson
– OL Darnell Wright
– OL Ozzy Trapilo
– OL Theo Benedet
– OL Luke Newman
– OL Ryan Bates
– OL Kiran Amegadjie
– DE Montez Sweat
– DE Dayo Odeyingbo
– DE Austin Booker
– DE Dominique Robinson
– DT Gervon Dexter
– DT Grady Jarrett
– DT Andrew Billings
– DT Shemar Turner
– DT Chris Williams
– LB T.J. Edwards
– LB Tremaine Edmunds
– LB Noah Sewell
– LB Ruben Hyppolite II
– LB Carl Jones
– CB Jaylon Johnson
– CB Kyler Gordon
– CB Tyrique Stevenson
– CB Nahshon Wright
– CB Josh Blackwell
– CB Nick McCloud
– S Jaquan Brisker
– S Kevin Byard
– S Elijah Hicks
– S Jonathan Owens
– K Cairo Santos
– P Tory Taylor
– LS Scott Daly
Note: The roster above reflects the Bears’ public postings and live updates as they worked toward the 53-man limit. If any late changes occur before the deadline, a new update would supersede this 53-man listing.
Recent waves of cuts and moving parts
– The Bears began the process by waiving several players in the early rounds of cuts, including Maurice Alexander, Brittain Brown, Luke Elkin, Jonathan Ford, Mekhi Garner, Jamree Kromah, Jordan McFadden, Zacch Pickens, JP Richardson, Tyler Scott, Ricky Stromberg, and others.
– A number of players were designated for injury-related or injury-return status, such as Travis Homer (injured reserve, designated to return) and Amen Ogbongbemiga (injured reserve, designated to return). Terell Smith was placed on injured reserve, and Zah Frazier was moved to the Non-Football Injury list.
– Some veterans and draft picks were released outright, and a few were released with the possibility of returning to the practice squad, including Ricky Stromberg, who could be brought back if he clears waivers.
– The Bears also announced the release of Tyler Scott, a former fourth-round pick, amid a crowded receiver room and one remaining spot on the 53-man roster.
– Zacch Pickens, a former third-round pick, was waived in a move that aligned with last season’s struggles and a preseason impact assessment.
– Tanoh Kpassagnon, an edge rusher added in the offseason, was released, though he may be a candidate to return on the practice squad.
Notes and context
– Reports indicated the Bears were also exploring trade options for offensive lineman Jordan McFadden, given the crowded position group. McFadden has seen steady reps in the preseason, and a trade could help balance the roster if a suitable deal emerges.
– The team’s plan is to trim to 53 ahead of today’s practice and then evaluate waivers and the practice squad roster in the immediate days following the cut, with the possibility of re-signing some players to the practice squad after they clear waivers.
Looking ahead
– The Bears will prepare for Week 1 against the Vikings with a roster that reflects a mix of proven veterans and young players who earned spots through training camp and the preseason.
– The waiver process and practice-squad signings will continue to shape the team in the days after the 53-man announcement, giving Chicago flexibility to address depth at several positions.
Summary
Chicago’s 2025 roster decisions move the Bears to a single-cutdown day, with a carefully curated 53-man roster featuring a blend of established contributors and young talents. After the initial cut, the team will turn to the practice squad and potential waiver claims to fill remaining depth, particularly at wide receiver, offensive line, and linebacker groups. The process also includes ongoing considerations of trades and practice-squad elevations to optimize the team ahead of Week 1 against the Vikings.
A few positive angles
– The roster shows strong depth at quarterback with multiple majors contributors and a plan that includes a veteran presence and a high-upside group in the backfield.
– The receiver room appears to have a mix of proven targets and upside options, which could lead to a dynamic Week 1 matchup and development throughout the season.
– The emphasis on constructing a robust defensive front and versatile secondary suggests Chicago is prioritizing both pass rush and coverage, which bodes well for a balanced unit in 2025.
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