Chicago Bears with the most to gain in preseason finale

The Chicago Bears have one preseason game left before everything turns towards the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night in Lambeau Field.

It would be easy to overlook the Buffalo Bills contest as nothing more than a playing out of the string. Something to occupy your attention for a few hours but doesn’t really matter in the end. Maybe fans believe that now, but the truth is this game can matter for several on the Bears roster. There are likely still a number of roster spots up for grabs and the coaches could use this game to help make their final determination on who makes it.

The question is which such players have the most to gain by playing in this contest? Below is a list of five names who fit the description. They will be the ones worth monitoring when kickoff commences on Thursday.

Bennie Fowler (WR)

Most indications show the Bears have five receiver spots locked in with Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, Anthony Miller, Kevin White and Javon Wims in place. That leaves one likely spot remaining. This one would be open to a receiver who has value on special teams. Right now the belief is veteran Josh Bellamy has a grip on that slot, but Bennie Fowler is also a good player in the third phase. If he can produce a strong outing against Buffalo it might be enough to know Bellamy out of the way.

Jordan Morgan (OG)

The former 5th round pick in 2017 hasn’t gotten off to the best start in his career. Morgan missed all of his rookie season with an injury and now faces a steep uphill climb to even make the roster as a backup guard given how deep the Bears are on the interior. His play to this point hasn’t really stood out one way or the other. That’s not a good thing. If he wants to make the roster he must make a statement in the finale or risk being one of the rare late round picks Ryan Pace misses on.

Nick Williams (DE)

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The defensive line is another area the Bears are strong at, so the battles for spots on the depth chart have been heated. One name who has played surprisingly well is Nick Williams. The former Miami Dolphins defensive tackle seems to have taken quite well to the Vic Fangio system, producing a number of strong preseason showings with 12 tackles and a sack. If he can put together one more good game it might convince the team that they just can’t leave him off the roster.

Kasim Edebali (OLB)

The Bears have significant needs at the edge rusher position, so they’re going to keep watching that area right up until the end. Not only because they want to make sure they’re keeping the right guys, but also because they have to know if they must make an outside roster move to find more help. Kasim Edebali is one of those names who can change their minds either way. He’s had a few flash moments to this point but hasn’t put together a strong game yet. It’s now or never.

Doran Grant (CB)

People keep talking about guys like Kevin Toliver or Michael Joseph but the fact is among the young Bears reserve cornerbacks, Doran Grant has been the most productive (1 INT, 3 passes defended). What he lacks in size he makes up in ball skills and instinct. To this point, it feels like he’s right on the fringe. A spot is in his grasp. All he has to do is give it one more good push. The Bills game represents his last opportunity. There’s no sense in holding anything back.

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