The preseason is officially in the books and, before full attention turns to the regular season opener a week from Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, teams must make their final roster cuts.
Cuts will begin today as teams need to go from 75 to 53 by Saturday at 3 p.m. CST. The Bears will no doubt do the same, as 22 players to cut is quite a number. The Bears likely know for the most part whom they want to keep, but a few performances last night might help them make up their minds or solidify what they know.
The players that I'm pointing out are not necessarily going to make the team, these are just guys that caught my eye and should be commended. Some, or most, probably will make the team or the practice squad. The final roster may or may not actually be set until the early part of next week because once other players are released, maybe the Bears decide to bring a guy in.
Santonio Holmes: The Bears newcomer had a strong performance in the preseason finale despite catching only one pass. He took that one catch, though, and turned it around to outrun the defense for a 32-yard score. He also returned a punt 30 yards. He greatly helped his chances of sticking around.
Chris Williams: Not a strong receiving game for Williams, who caught only two of three targets for 16 yards, but he averaged 27 yards on kick returns and showed good patience and burst on his 29 yard return.
David Fales: The sixth-round draft pick was up and down, starting strong by going 11 of 17 for 129 yards, 1 TD and a 107.2 rating. His second half was much more of a letdown with an interception, but he should be recognized for performing against Cleveland's first and second string defense while he was playing with the 3's and 4's. His second half was 2 of 7 for 17 yards and the INT.
Josh Bellamy: The Bears appear to have a lot more options at WR than Bellamy, but perhaps he has some practice squad eligibility left. He caught four passes for 78 yards against the Browns.
Christian Jones: The linebacker was credited with three solo tackles and an assist in the final ESPN box score, but had a couple of key blocks on special teams. Jones' special teams abilities will be key in earning an active roster spot.
David Bass: The second-year DE kicked inside for a couple of plays at DT, and was credited with the team's only sack and one of the team's two QB hits.
Who stood out to you? Do you think anyone earned or lost a roster spot last night? Stick around all day as we update you on any cuts that come through.
Editor's Note: Treat this as an open thread, if you need to, and enjoy.
CUTS & SOURCES
Bears cut Rob Turner, according to a source
— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) August 29, 2014
#Bears have informed TE Jeron Mastrud he will be released.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) August 29, 2014
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash">#Bears</a> will release WR Armanti Edwards</p>— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) <a href="https://twitter.com/BradBiggs/statuses/505419669142917120">August 29, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash">#Bears</a> have informed local product and NIU standout Jordan Lynch he will be placed on waivers.</p>— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) <a href="https://twitter.com/BradBiggs/statuses/505414230749634560">August 29, 2014</a></blockquote>
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You can find our story on Lynch's release here.