Bears release first unofficial depth chart of 2021 preseason

The Bears released their first unofficial depth chart of the 2021 preseason on Tuesday, prior to their opening matchup against the Dolphins on Saturday.

Though the assigned positioning is fluid and will likely change from this writing to the end of the preseason, the release gives fans a rough understanding of where each player currently stands on the roster.

To no surprise, Andy Dalton is listed as the starting quarterback, with rookie Justin Fields manning the second-string role and Nick Foles as the third-stringer.

Among one of the surprises to come with Tuesday’s depth chart release was the placement of 2020 fifth-round pick Kindle Vildor as the starting cornerback opposite Jaylon Johnson. Vildor is slated ahead of veteran Desmond Trufant, who has also seen a considerable amount of reps with the starting defense in training camp.

Other notable takeaways include Marquise Goodwin as the starting slot receiver, Khalil Herbert as the starting kick returner, and Cole Kmet having surpassed Jimmy Graham on the depth chart as the team’s top tight end, even though the former is an in-line tight end to the latter’s “move” role.

If the new depth chart is any indication, one can expect to see little of most players listed as starters in Saturday’s game; Bears head coach Matt Nagy indicated that the starters will play in a series or two before letting backups receive the bulk of the snaps.