Projecting the Chicago Bears 53-man roster before the final preseason game
By Todd Welter
9 roster spots: DeMarcus Walker, Justin Jones, Andrew Billings, Yannick Ngakoue, Gervon Dexter Sr., Zacch Pickens, Dominique Robinson, Trevis Gipson, Terrell Lewis
Practice squad: Travis Bell
Terrell Lewis cemented his spot on the roster with another strip sack on Saturday. He has been having a great camp. He is the only player guaranteed to be claimed off of waivers if the Bears cut him.
Rasheem Green might still make the team as the Chicago Bears need pass rushers.
Zacch Pickens had an impressive game against the Colts. He had a nice play where he dominated former Bears offensive lineman Arlington Hambright and then stuffed the run. It also drew a flag.
Seventh-round pick Travis Bell also had a strong game, but he needs some time to develop as he makes the leap from Kennesaw State to the NFL. Although, Trevis Gipson did not impress against the Colts. He was listed as the last edge rusher on the unofficial depth chart. He made a strong case to stay on the team against the Titans.
If Bell has another strong game and Gipson is just okay, the front office could go with another defensive tackle.
Jalen Harris looked like he could make the practice squad but then he got thrown out of the game on Saturday.
5 roster spots: T.J. Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds, Jack Sanborn (would be starting strong-side linebacker in rare times Bears play base defense), Noah Sewell, Mykal Walker,
Practice squad: Micah Baskerville
Tremaine Edmunds has missed a good portion of training camp with an injury, but he should be ready for the start of the season.
Rookie Noah Sewell is pushing Jack Sanborn for the starting SAM linebacker in the few times the Chicago Bears play a base 4-3 defense.
Mykal Walker has seven tackles in his first unofficial action with the Bears. He was claimed off waivers from the Atlanta Falcons after starting for them last season.
Undrafted rookie free agent Micah Baskerville has been impressive in the preseason.
Undrafted rookie LB Micah Baskerville continues to impress; made a nice tackle on the opening kickoff and just broke up a pass that A.J. Thomas nearly intercepted.
— Larry Mayer (@LarryMayer) August 19, 2023
His play is reminiscent of what Sanborn did last preseason, but Walker provides better depth. That does not mean Baskerville cannot help down the road. Although, he could be a player a team makes a waiver claim.