Bears Make 53
by Dane Noble on Sep 5, 2009 5:20 PM CDT
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PrintA few surprises, but not too many. Today, the Bears whittled their roster down to the league mandated 53 players by terminating 3 contracts, waiving 16 players, and placing 3 on Injured Reserve.
Players who were waived included guard Johan Asiata, defensive ends Ervin Baldwin and Joe Clermond, offensive tackle Cody Balogh, quarterback Brett Basanez, cornerbacks Rudy Burgess, Marcus Hamilton and Woodny Turenne, fullbacks Jason Davis and Will Ta’ufo’ou, linebackers Marcus Freeman, Kevin Malast and Mike Rivera, receiver Eric Peterman, and center Donovan Raiola.
The Bears can establish an eight-man practice squad on Sunday and also can claim players who’ve been waived by other NFL teams. In past seasons, the Bears have typically stocked their practice squad primarily with players they released a day earlier during final cuts.
Here’s a breakdown of the 53-man roster as it stands now (in alphabetical order):
Quarterbacks (2): Jay Cutler, Caleb Hanie.
Running backs (3): Matt Forte, Adrian Peterson, Garrett Wolfe.
Fullbacks (1): Jason McKie:
Wide receivers (6): Devin Aromashodu, Earl Bennett, Rashied Davis, Devin Hester, Juaquin Iglesias, Johnny Knox.
Tight ends (4): Desmond Clark, Kellen Davis, Michael Gaines, Greg Olsen.
Offensive linemen (8): Josh Beekman, Roberto Garza, Olin Kreutz, Lance Louis, Frank Omiyale, Orlando
Pace, Kevin Shaffer, Chris Williams.
Defensive linemen (9): Anthony Adams, Mark Anderson, Alex Brown, Jarron Gilbert, Tommie Harris, Marcus Harrison, Israel Idonije, Adewale Ogunleye, Matt Toeaina.
Linebackers (6): Lance Briggs, Hunter Hillenmeyer, Nick Roach, Pisa Tinoisamoa, Brian Urlacher, Jamar Williams.
Cornerbacks (6): Zackary Bowman, Corey Graham, Trumaine McBride, D.J. Moore, Charles Tillman, Nate Vasher.
Safeties (5): Al Afalava, Josh Bullocks, Danieal Manning, Kevin Payne, Craig Steltz.
Specialists (3): Robbie Gould, Patrick Mannelly, Brad Maynard.
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Basanez
Let’s hope he makes it onto the practice squad, I like him alot. Only two quarterbacks makes me a tad squeamish, but that’s just the Bears fan in me.
Personally I would have kept Hood and cut McBride
I liked Brett too!!!
I totally agree… except Hood… I was excited about seeing him sign but just watched the replay (cuz I live outta town) and was not happy with his play!
GO BEARS!!!!
by ChiTownSounds on Sep 5, 2009 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Did you see the pats cut Walter
Along with O’Connel that doesn’t leave much behind Brady
The sun will shine in '69
2 QBs is fine..
If things got truly ugly…which we all pray it never will, there are serviceable guys out there..but that horror movie aside, I think hanie will be a solid backup should he be necessary.
I'm Happy About Everything Except....
…Kevin Jones getting injured/cut, and Brandon Rideau getting cut :(
Jones on IR
Give him one more chance.
by AxeCain on Sep 5, 2009 5:53 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I think you might be right.
A career lomg history of injuries has squelched his once highly promising potential.
I think this will probably be the final nail in the coffin of his career.
The glass is more than half-full.
WOW... So who woulda been cut.....
if Kevin Jones hadn’t got hurt?!?!? I don’t see anyone on the list that I would like to see gone!!! Maybe Bullocks but that might have left us extra thin at Saftey!!!
GO BEARS!!!!
Maybe Wolfe?
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No way!
Wolfe isn’t going anywhere, the Bears are high on him and he’s a decent scatterback.
What’s really surprising is that we have 4 tight ends. I was expecting Gaines to get cut, or maybe Davis. I’m not a fan of having them both on the team, no matter how much we use tight ends. I’d have kept Jason Davis, personally- if you needed him to play emergency TE he could have.
No, they want Gaines for his blocking.
Olsen is learning, but he’s not there yet as far as blocking schemes.Gaines will be good in the running game and for short yardage dump offs.
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
Other way around
Gaines has the versatility to FB rather than Davis being out of position filling in at TE.
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill
he has shown neither of these things at this level
Wolfe isn’t going anywhere, the Bears are high on him and he’s a decent scatterback.
Actually,
Wolfe isn’t going anywhere
He shows that every time he takes a hand-off.
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
by JerBear50 on Sep 5, 2009 9:45 PM CDT up reply actions 5 recs
Probably..
Wolfe Davis or Gaines…everyone else I figured to be a lock
IMO
Hillenmeyer. I know he tries, but he has to be dead last among who they kept. I believe he was kept more for his versatility. I was sad to see Rideau go. I guess that means Davis is their #3? Knox is going to be special, folks!
Getcha Beernuts Ready!
by Fly1965 on Sep 5, 2009 7:43 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
they like hunter
as the best back up to urlacher.
HH is a little underrated
He had a tough year at the SAM last year, but is still very useful as a versatile backup for Pisa and Brian.
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill
About right...
Rideau better not come back and bite us like Berrian\…I will personally kick Lovie in the nuts in that instance.
The Bears still need a big, tough, angry RB to spell Forte, grind out short yards, and run out the clock at the end of games.
Nice work putting Melton on IR. gives the D-line some flexibility.
Hopefull Malast, Rivera and Clermond can hang on to PS development duties. Each plays tough and could make a roster if they had good coaching and time to develop.
There are no stupid questions, but there are a LOT of inquisitive idiots.
Yeah, but we knew what we had in Berrian.
He just wanted to much money, and frankly I didn’t think he was worth nearly what he got. He was the best WR we’d had in awhile, but he wanted to be paid like a top tier guy, and he’s not a complete receiver. I’m not thrilled about cutting Rideau, but he’s had three years to earn a spot.
Agreed on the RB. I don’t think there’s a whole lot on the wire at this point, but we’ll see after all the cuts. I’ve always liked AP, but he didn’t look good at all last year. Seems like he really lost a step and wasn’t going over/through people either.
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
I would like Gado, McAlister, perhaps Fargas...
Prior to the roster cuts, here’s the FA list for RBs.
There are no stupid questions, but there are a LOT of inquisitive idiots.
Deuce is done
There’s a reason why no team brought him in for a look.
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill
Get ready for Forte to get about 25% of offense touchs
He is going to get about 90% or RB touchs while doing about 25% of the overall offense, either through running or catching. If you haven’t draft for FF yet, I do believe that he is equal to MJD and AP now.
The sun will shine in '69
I Would like Deuce for sure I think he would change the pace up.
I would be surprised if the Bears dont get another RB they seem to be going for the gold this year. I feel comfortable with AP an Wolf coaching staff may not so this will be interesting I feel a bit bad about Kevin Jones I feel like I jinxed him because right when he got hurt I was on a chat line saying how I wasent impressed with him an how I would rather see AP as back role lol I guess I got my wish…
What about Dominique Rhoades?
He was cut by Buffalo.
If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.
ooops. sorry.
but you knew who I meant. If I truly “butchered” his name I would have called him Domino Streets.
If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.
I was hoping either Fargas or Bush
would get cut by Oakland, but no such luck. I’ve always liked Deuce, but he’s on the wrong side of 30, and he’s had both his ACL’s done.
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
What really bothers me is...
Rideau earned his spot last year and didn’t get a real chance. I don’t think he’s going to be a number 1 anywhere he goes, but I do think he could be a great red zone target, and solid number 3.
The Bears still need a big, tough, angry RB to spell Forte, grind out short yards, and run out the clock at the end of games.
Lance Louis started off at RB/FB before he outgrew the position, as I recall… imagine Gaines leading a block for him!
"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell
"F*** everybody outside of Halas Hall. BEARDOWN" - WavyGravy
could work
but he probably doesn’t have enough speed to be a Half-Back mayber he could be the fullback but not the Half-Back, unless he is actually becomes fast
le'ron mcclain
he turned out to be a pretty decent running back/short yardage back for the Ravens last year… and he ran a 4.88 at the combine…. compared to Louis’s 4.75, not to mention he’s about 40lbs heavier then mcclain…. it’d be fun for sure.
then again… we have a RB turned DE in Melton… and he showed he’s still got some moves… if we were absolutely desperate… it also could be a lot of fun.
by firebirdsix7 on Sep 6, 2009 12:29 AM CDT up reply actions
Isn't Melton on I.R.?
The NFL equivalent of a redshirt season?
And yeah, there’s some risk of DMS in this idea, but Ditka put together a little package of plays for the Fridge and it was effective (without hampering Perry’s defensive development).
McKie is a journeyman fullback with a decent mixture of skills, but he isn’t a devastating point-of-attack blocker. If Louis could be THAT, he wouldn’t have to be anything else.
And the prevailing wind happens to be blowing from Vichy.
Intriguing concept...
I watched le’Ron McClain run over DTs, DEs, and everyone else for that matter. I worry that this smacks of DMS, but why not give it a try.
There are no stupid questions, but there are a LOT of inquisitive idiots.
Also Jeff Garcia was cut today.
Would we be interested in him?
Nah!
Not ME! We already had a DINK and DUNK QB in Orton… no need to go backward!
GO BEARS!!!!
by ChiTownSounds on Sep 5, 2009 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions
I hope not.
He’s kind of a prick and likes to bitch a lot. That’s probably what got him cut from Oakland. He was complaining about wanting to be the starter, and there’s no way Skeletor was gonna let that happen.
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
He’s kind of a prick and likes to bitch a lot. That’s probably what got him cut from Oakland.
That seems to me to be at least part of what got Cutler traded from Denver.
The glass is more than half-full.
Yeah, except he can complete a pass over 12 yards
and he doesn’t run around like a goddamn frightened squirrel on every play.
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
We'll see...
Many of these dudes will end up on their respective teams when injuries happen. Especially the skill players
Getcha Beernuts Ready!
I'd take a look at him.
I’ve seen it written that: “if Cutler goes down, the season is over.” Bullshit. What if he sprains an ankle and is out for two weeks while we’re in the midst of that easy stretch in the middle of the schedule? A guy like Garcia could easily step in and win us at least one of those games. Plus, he’s a west coast guy who’d probably be a good fit with Turner.
What about Ian Johnson....
to play the part that Kevin Jones was supposed to??? He did look like a great change-of-pace back for us to spell Forte with!!!
GO BEARS!!!!
then again... in sitting here thingking about it...
WHO who would be cut for him to come in??? Same delimma I had when thinking about my earlier post of who would be CUT if KJ hadn’t been cut!
GO BEARS!!!!
by ChiTownSounds on Sep 5, 2009 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions
THERE YOU GO!!!
ian johnson, i really like him for the nfl!
by Zoro on Sep 5, 2009 8:33 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Been checking on the kid
He just picked the wrong team to sign with, really behind AP and Taylor, he was never going to see the field. You might be right about him.
The sun will shine in '69
by gaclaudy on Sep 5, 2009 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I can live with this roster.
In a perfect world, I would have liked to keep Rideau, Jason Davis and Malast. I’m sure Malast at least will end up on the practice squad though.
I like roster cuts except
Except Rideau I swear he has tried an tried I think I just feel bad for him plus I think hes a capable 3 WR. Kevin Jones I dont feel like their is much of a lost their but im not the coaching staff so maybe their is something I dont see or know about. I think Wolfe and peterson will pull through honestly I like the way peterson looked in preseason although against 3rd stringers I have always felt he was only a step or two away from becoming better then good. I like Brett too hopefully he goes to PS .
How about...
Brohm getting cut by Green Bay? I know everyone pretty much saw it coming, but wow! There were so many Bears fans clamoring for this dude when he came out of Louisville! Nad John David Booty? Imaging having your dreams crushed because some old fart refuses to ride off into the sunset!! LOL He should kick Brent (Mike Vick’s pronunciation) Favre in the stones!! First he took his number, then he took his spot. Better hide his girl!!
Getcha Beernuts Ready!
Yeah, and the old prick didn't even pay him
for his number, as is customary. He could’ve at least thrown him a bone knowing he was probably going to cost him his job. Guess he needs all that money for Wranglers and tractors. And Vicodin.
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
by JerBear50 on Sep 5, 2009 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Does any of that surprise you by that prick?
Favre has been and always be a shet-head. I hope he is still standing when the Vikes come to Soldiers’ Field. Tillman on a CB blitz to the backside, clean shot to “my ribs are injuried but I’ve played through the pain” cry-baby. OMG, I would be soo excited if that happened I might actually wet myself.
The sun will shine in '69
I wish they had to play Houston this year.
You know someone would be gunning for him after that cheap ass knee shot he threw.
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
I just hope he lasts ’til the Vikes come to Lambeau.
On the other hand, maybe someone will prevent him from ever being able to play at Lambeau in the uniform of a team other than the Packers.
I wouldn’t throw a celebration party if that were to happen, but, neither would I weep.
The glass is more than half-full.
Sure wish...
we could work something out with Denver for Marshall. I know we don’t have the picks, but it seems like we could have come up with some kind of deal involving players. We’re deep at LB and DL. They’ll probably keep him in spite, now.
Getcha Beernuts Ready!
Even if we had the draft picks
would Denver trade with us? That would be crazy to give 2 young pro bowlers to one team.
FIRE VDN
Not before the fans got to them.
I cut the sleeves off because it looks awesome. NOW GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME!
I want nothing to do with him.
He’s an incredible receiver, but he’s such an immature ass. Even Cutler was getting tired of his crap, and that was before the last couple incidents.
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
Vasher still here?
He’s going straight downhill. Nothing left. We’re short on CBs, but he’s only going to hurt the secondary. Oh well-he’s getting big bucks for nada.
He was our second pick in the draft in the 3rd round
how is that surprising?
I cut the sleeves off because it looks awesome. NOW GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME!
Wait... the Pope's Catholic?
"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell
"F*** everybody outside of Halas Hall. BEARDOWN" - WavyGravy
nah he's a Baptist I think.
I cut the sleeves off because it looks awesome. NOW GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME!
by Ditkavsworld on Sep 5, 2009 11:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Lance Louis
must have really impressed Harry and the coaching staff with his athleticism. It’s obviously pretty rare for a 7th rounder to make the team.
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill
My thoughts exactly
I’m one of the few that actually liked Louis as a draft pick and am pleased he made it. As long as Louis puts in the work and effort, sky’s the limit…
That and
as long as he doesn’t beat up an unsuspecting teammate.
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill
If I were Kellen Davis or Michael Gaines...
I wouldn’t get too comfortable.
I’ll be shocked if the Bears don’t make an offer for a free agent RB within the next two days. And since Wolfe is the scat back and Peterson is the ST specialist, whoever they bring in will be able to focus solely on spelling Forte.
The most obvious place to make a cut is TE, but then again, what I DON’T know about football continually astounds me.
And the prevailing wind happens to be blowing from Vichy.
Possibles...
Rhodes, obviously, is worth a look, since he was the only “big name” back cut on Saturday.. But there are also guys out there like Kregg Lumpkin and Ian Johnson who might attract JA and crew, and — though I know this sounds weird — the Shaun Alexanders and Ahman Greens of the world could be worth a call.
My logic (such as it is): If two of your three RBs are essentially ST specialists, then bringing in an older veteran and giving him roughly 15 snaps a week isn’t out of the question. Frankly, I’d rather have a diminished stud who understands his role backing up Forte than than some combination of Wolfe/Peterson, and why bring in a “developmental” RB? Forte is the future.
Give him a veteran who can keep him fresh and serve as his mentor. Could be a cool arrangement.
Or trade Nathan Vasher for someone like Justin Fargas.
Just because his nickname is “Huggy Bear.”
And the prevailing wind happens to be blowing from Vichy.
NO.....
his DADDY was Huggy Bear… lol
GO BEARS!!!!
by ChiTownSounds on Sep 6, 2009 2:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah but...
I’d personally prefer to see a young guy. Forte is definately #1. But why bring in a guy on his last legs to do a one and done, when a young back could provide competition beyond this year? RB’s go down all the time. I seriously doubt Garrett Wolfe would be on any other team. And if he was, I seriously seriously doubt he’s punching it up the middle! Carrying two special teams backs seems like a roster waste. Again, I’d love to see Ian Johnson, if he can block halfway decently. Can the Bears afford the luxury of one day hopefully maximizing the unique talents of Garrett Wolfe while keeping AP as a special teams guy? Everyone knows that both are a significant drop off from Kevin Jones as a #2. SO their ONLY upside is ST (For AP) and gimmicky plays for Garrett Wolfe.
Getcha Beernuts Ready!
their ONLY upside is ST (For AP) and gimmicky plays for Garrett Wolfe
Well, that and JA gets to avoid facing the reality (for another season) that Wolfe seems more and more like a wasted 3rd round draft pick.
"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell
"F*** everybody outside of Halas Hall. BEARDOWN" - WavyGravy
A 7th rounder making the team
I could be wrong but isn’t Knox a 7th rounder?
by Dozjah on Sep 5, 2009 10:52 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Not a bad selection
I still think Garrett Wolfe isn’t worth the roster spot, but there’s no one on the cut list who screams “release Wolfe instead of me!”
We had better get something out of one of Knox or Iglesias this year though, no “do nothing for a year and then become the #2” like Earl Bennett is doing. I’d like to see instant production.
"We're only gonna score 17 points? Hah hah" - some clown.
About Knox and Iglesias, Dido.
My opinion/prediction is that we will see Knox on the field some this year. Turner has stated as such (for what that’s worth). http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=6079
I get the pissed off feeling that Iglesias won’t see the field much, if at all… And I’m pissed because Rideau would’ve filled Iglesias’ roster spot quite nicely… Oh well, at this point I hope to eat my words on Iglesias.
+1...
could not have said it better myself. Maybe we could put Knox at FS in place of DM??? the ultimate DMS!!!
IOM, Knox is the next Hester which leaves us in a real pickle or not!!!
There are no stupid questions, but there are a LOT of inquisitive idiots.
I think we'll still pick up a running back who can give Forte a break...
Peterson would be the odd man out, in my opinion. Also, those must be some pictures of Lovie and Virginia McCaskey that Craig Steltz obviously has…he’s done nothing this preseason but lose a starting job that was handed to him.
i'm pretty content for the most part
but i think we need a total bruiser for a running back….. just when the defense gets tired from covering Forte, two pass catching tight ends, and a speed demon…. someone to run them over for a few plays….
by firebirdsix7 on Sep 6, 2009 12:33 AM CDT up reply actions
Wow
Seattle cut Mike Hass! I liked him and kinda thought he just suffered from a lck of opportunities.
Getcha Beernuts Ready!
and speed.
There is no question he can catch. I liked him too as like a third down WR. But speed is all the rage in today’s NFL. I think they threw one ball to him.
I have seen a QB and it was good.
and a complete lack
of getting any seperation.
Names of Interest
Most notably, how about Bernard Pollard to replace Bullocks, both are bad at coverage, but I think Pollard brings more to the table.
Looking around the league for CBs- Notables include:
Marcus McCauley
Corey Ivy
or has been mentioned earlier this week
Chris McAlister
any could take McBrides spot and I would be happy, get greedy and sign 2 and send Vasher’s contract out the building.
RBs –
Both Peerman brothers were chopped not sure if they offer an upgrade, but both were productive in college.
Noah Herron is a journeyman, but I have always liked his skills, seems he always gets buried in the depth charts, but think he could be equally productive to AP or Wolfe.
WR-
Only possible upgrade I see is still Matt Jones. Don’t really like the fact that both Davis and Wolfe made the team, when their only real contributions will likely come in the form of special teams. Think you choose 1 or the other, can’t have 2 spots taken up.
and hope to hell that Marcus Freeman makes it through waivers, to our practice squad. Should have made the team over Roach and Hunter.
The Bears and Patriots are trying to pry DT Kevin Carter out of retirement.
I have seen a QB and it was good.
Love is such a strong word...
that has been properly used in your comment. ;-)
He's a smart guy
that I’m sure has studied the viqueens playbook extensively… I’m just sayin’.
I stand by statement
Ian made a poor choice signing with the Vikings as UFA. I get was he was trying for, I mean who wouldn’t want to run behind that line, but there was zero, nada, zip, zelch chance he was seeing the field there. AP & Taylor had the backfield locked up and with Albert Young doing a half-way decent job at ST and being in the system for a year, Johnson was toast.
Ian Johnson would be a heck of a fit in this system and give Forte a good relief.
The sun will shine in '69
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jixyYRkaC-k
Damnnnnn,he can’t run fast but he got 145 yards and 3 touchdowns.In the preseason playing for the Steelers.
Awwww
The Viqueens signed Ian Johnson to the Practice Squad. I’ve always deferred to Bears’ management knowing what’s what, but I’m really uneasy about the RB situation. They obviously want to spell Forte, but I sincerely doubt Wolfe can get the yardage against an NFL defense. And AP; Bless his heart, but he is who he is. I’m all of a sudden as concerned about the RB situation as any other.
Getcha Beernuts Ready!
Practice squad players
can still be picked up by other teams.
Be nice. Flag comments that you think are offensive. Use the "reply" button. Drink plenty of water. Compliment others. Rec (wreck) comments and posts you like. Don't call people names. If you don't like someone's comment, attack the comment and not the commentor. Learn the difference in your/you're, then/than, to/too. Exercise. Relax. Stretch often. Find good in the world.
How many time do you have to say this???...
before people get the PS rules down??!!
There are no stupid questions, but there are a LOT of inquisitive idiots.
Jason Davis was picked up by the Jets.
Be nice. Flag comments that you think are offensive. Use the "reply" button. Drink plenty of water. Compliment others. Rec (wreck) comments and posts you like. Don't call people names. If you don't like someone's comment, attack the comment and not the commentor. Learn the difference in your/you're, then/than, to/too. Exercise. Relax. Stretch often. Find good in the world.
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