Here’s a look at the Bears roster after final cuts Saturday.
Starters in bold
Quarterbacks (3): Jay Cutler, Jimmy Clausen, David Fales*
Comment: Bears kept sixth-round draft pick Fales active, using a roster spot on a quarterback who in all likelihood won’t play this season unless in an emergency, instead of risking losing him on waivers.
Running backs (5): Matt Forte, FB Tony Fiammetta, Ka’Deem Carey*, Shaun Draughn, Senorise Perry*
Comment: Four tailbacks make for a crowded backfield, and it will be interesting to see whether fourth-rounder Carey is active on game days.
Wide receivers (6): Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, Josh Morgan, Marquess Wilson, Santonio Holmes, Micheal Spurlock
Comment: Wilson (right collarbone) is a candidate to be placed on injured reserve with a designation for return. By rule, that could not occur until 3 p.m. Tuesday. If the Bears were to put him on short-term IR, it would free a roster spot.
Tight ends (3): Martellus Bennett, Dante Rosario, Matthew Mulligan
Comment: The Bears hope Mulligan can be a more complete blocker and pass-catching threat this year than the departed Eben Britton was last year as a sixth offensive lineman.
Offensive line (8): Jermon Bushrod, Matt Slauson, Roberto Garza, Kyle Long, Jordan Mills, Michael Ola*, Brian de la Puente, Charles Leno Jr.*
Comment: The three reserves present questions because de la Puente (left knee) is hurt and Ola and Leno are inexperienced
Defensive line (10): Ends (6) — Jared Allen, Lamarr Houston, Willie Young, Trevor Scott, David Bass, Cornelius Washington; Tackles (4) — Jeremiah Ratliff, Stephen Paea, Ego Ferguson*, Will Sutton*
Comment: General manager Phil Emery kept 10 instead of nine, but with only four tackles, the two rookies must develop in a hurry.
Linebackers (6): Lance Briggs, D.J. Williams, Shea McClellin, Jon Bostic, Khaseem Greene, Christian Jones*
Comment: Jones, a rookie free agent out of Florida State has exceptional speed, fluidity and ability to change direction.
Cornerbacks (5): Tim Jennings, Charles Tillman, Kyle Fuller*, Sherrick McManis, Demontre Hurst
Comment: The Bears kept Hurst over veteran Kelvin Hayden. He has worked at slot corner behind Jennings and plays special teams.
Safeties (4): Ryan Mundy, Danny McCray, Chris Conte, Brock Vereen*
Comment: One of the most crowded position battles settled how many thought it would.
Specialists (3): Robbie Gould (K), Pat O’Donnell (P)*, Brandon Hartson (LS)
Comment: Let’s see whether the Bears stick with first-year pro Hartson as their long snapper after combing Saturday’s transactions list.
*Rookies
Twitter @Rich_Campbell
