Chicago Bears 53-Man Roster Breakdown
As of August 27, 2025, the Chicago Bears have finalized their initial 53-man roster following cuts on August 26 and subsequent waiver claims on August 27. This includes additions like LB D’Marco Jackson (from Saints), CB Jaylon Jones (from Colts), and DE Tanoh Kpassagnon (from Saints), while releasing players such as LS Scott Daly and WR Devin Duvernay.
Surprising Player to Watch Out For
One of the most surprising inclusions is undrafted rookie WR Jahdae Walker, who edged out veterans like Tyler Scott (a 2023 draft pick who was waived). Walker, from Grand Valley State, impressed in preseason with explosive plays, special teams contributions, and a 4.4-second 40-yard dash. Analysts highlight his raw speed and route-running as a potential gadget weapon in HC Ben Johnson’s offense. Another surprise is undrafted LB Carl Jones Jr., who made the cut over more experienced options due to his sideline-to-sideline range in camp. These underdogs could steal snaps if injuries hit.
Player with the Highest Upside
QB Caleb Williams undeniably has the highest upside, entering Year 2 as a potential MVP candidate. The 2024 No. 1 pick threw for 3,500+ yards as a rookie but now has enhanced weapons like rookie WR Luther Burden III and TE Colston Loveland, plus Johnson’s creative scheme. Projections peg him for 4,000+ passing yards and 30 TDs, leveraging his elite arm, mobility, and poise. Runners-up include WR Rome Odunze (Year 2 leap potential) and Cole Kmet, a dynamic tight end with Travis Kelce-like traits. Williams’ ceiling could elevate the Bears to contenders. Okay, maybe contenders is a big leap this year, BUT if Williams can perform to his potential this season, there is no reason the Chicago Bears can’t make the playoffs as a wildcard team.
Biggest Question Marks?
The running back room stands out as the roster’s biggest question mark, with only three players and shaky production. D’Andre Swift disappointed in 2024 (under 1,000 yards, low explosive runs), while backups Roschon Johnson and rookie Kyle Monangai lack proven depth. Injuries plagued camp, forcing positional shifts, and the group risks overburdening Williams if the ground game stalls.
The offensive line’s left tackle battle (Braxton Jones vs. rookie Ozzy Trapilo vs. Theo Benedet) is a close second, with pass protection inconsistencies potentially exposing the QB. Jones, a 2022 fifth-round pick, holds the Week 1 job per ESPN’s August 28 depth chart but struggled in 2024, allowing 8 sacks and 42 pressures (PFF grade 65.2), drawing scrutiny for penalties and inconsistent pass protection. Trapilo, a 2025 second-round pick (6’8″, 316 pounds), showed promise but allowed 3 pressures in 18 preseason snaps, shifting to right tackle late in camp, suggesting a swing role. Benedet, a 2024 UDFA, impressed with zero pressures in 20 preseason snaps and clean first-team reps, but his lack of NFL experience raises doubts.
Is Everyone Healthy?
No, the Bears aren’t fully healthy heading into Week 1. Key issues include S Jaquan Brisker (exited August 27 practice with an apparent injury; status uncertain), CB Jaylon Johnson (day-to-day with soft tissue issue but ramping up), and CB Kyler Gordon (limited by hamstring but returned). RB Travis Homer (calf) and LB Amen Ogbongbemiga (undisclosed) are on IR (eligible to return Week 5), while rookie CB Zah Frazier is out for the season on the non-football injury list (personal reasons). The RB group is particularly battered, with only Swift fully active in recent practices. Overall, core starters like Williams and Moore are fine, but depth vulnerabilities could test early resilience.
Most Controversial Starter(s)
The most controversial starters are LT Braxton Jones and RB D’Andre Swift. Jones won the left tackle job over highly touted rookie Ozzy Trapilo, but critics argue his inconsistent pass blocking (allowed 8 sacks in 2024) makes him a liability for protecting Williams’ blindside—sparking debates on whether Trapilo’s athletic upside should have prevailed. Swift’s starting role draws scrutiny after a lackluster 2024 (65.7 PFF grade), with fans questioning if Johnson’s run-first offense needs a more dynamic lead back. CB Tyrique Stevenson also stirs mild controversy, edging out challengers despite coverage lapses, though his physicality fits the scheme. These choices highlight Poles’ preference for experience over flash.
This roster positions the Bears for playoff contention, but addressing question marks like RB and LT depth and health will be crucial.
