Updated 53-Man Roster Projections for Chicago Bears Post-Preseason Week 3

The Chicago Bears capped off the third week of the preseason with a 21-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday night, and the team is currently trying to narrow its roster down to 53 players before the start of the regular season.

Chicago's starters played deep into the third quarter against the Bengals, and many will not play against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night in the preseason finale.

Before 4 p.m. ET on September 1, all NFL teams need to reduce their rosters from 90 players down to 75 players. After the final preseason game on September 3, NFL teams must reduce their rosters to 53 players by September 5.

On Sunday night, the Bears began making some roster cuts. According to Chicago Bears radio network sideline reporter Zach Zaidman, Chicago waived cornerback Al Louis-Jean, tight end Kevin Greene, offensive lineman Cameron Jefferson, wide receiver Jeremy Kelley, long snapper Rick Lovato, wide receiver Levi Norwood, defensive lineman Olsen Pierre and tight end Chris Pantale.

Per Zaidman, the team also released cornerback Tim Jennings, placed safety Ryan Mundy on injured reserve, waived wide receiver John Chiles and terminated the contract of running back Daniel Thomas.

Now that three preseason games are in the books—and a handful of roster moves have been made—what does Chicago's projected 53-man roster look like?

Quarterbacks (2)

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Barring any injuries, Jimmy Clausen (8) will backup starter Jay Cutler (6) in 2015.

1. Jay Cutler
2. Jimmy Clausen

Quarterback Jay Cutler has had to deal with a lot this offseason. Aside from having to learn a new offense under coordinator Adam Gase, he has also seen his top four wide receivers go down with injuries.

First-round pick Kevin White is expected to miss at least the first six games of the year, former Pro Bowler Alshon Jeffery has not played in a preseason game due to a calf injury, third-year man Marquess Wilson has been struggling with a hamstring injury and veteran Eddie Royal has been dealing with a hip issue.

Without those four in the lineup together at the same time this offseason, Cutler has had to lean on inexperienced receivers like Joshua Bellamy, Marc Mariani and Rashad Lawrence.

“It just makes me have to work a little bit harder,” Cutler said, per ChicagoFootball.com's Kevin Fishbain. “It makes me have to communicate with them and make sure they know exactly what they're supposed to do, so I've got to be on it on my end as well. It's a challenge for us."

Cutler completed 13 of his 17 passing attempts for 98 yards Saturday night against Cincinnati, and he will enter 2015 as Chicago's starting quarterback for the seventh year in a row. The veteran quarterback has a chance to put up respectable numbers in Gase's system this year if he can limit his turnovers.

Backup Jimmy Clausen joined the team just before the start of training camp last summer and eventually beat out Jordan Palmer for the No. 2 spot. He backed up Cutler in 2014 and made one start in Week 16 against the Detroit Lions.

Clausen has had an up-and-down offseason, but he is a serviceable backup. 

Second-year man David Fales could push for a roster spot in the fourth preseason game, but it is more likely that he ends up on the practice squad this season.

Running Backs (3)

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Rookie Jeremy Langford has been one of Chicago's most impressive running backs this offseason.

1. Matt Forte
2. Jeremy Langford (Rookie)
3. Jacquizz Rodgers

For the eighth season in a row, Matt Forte will be atop Chicago's depth chart at the running back position.

Forte rushed for 1,038 yards on 266 carries and scored six rushing touchdowns last season. He also caught 102 passes for 808 yards and scored four receiving touchdowns.

According to Pro Football Focus, Forte has played just 33 snaps so far in the preseason and has carried the ball 14 times for 40 yards. 

The veteran running back is expected to carry the majority of the load on offense this season, but rookie Jeremy Langford should get his fair share of carries as well.

Drafted in the fourth round of this year's draft, Langford carried the ball just four times for one yard in the preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins, but the former Michigan State Spartan gained 80 yards on nine carries and scored one touchdown in the team's second preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts. He carried the ball six times for 17 yards and caught one pass for 14 yards against the Bengals.

Langford's play this offseason has caught the eye of running backs coach Stan Drayton.

"He's not out here guessing, second-guessing every move he makes," Drayton said, per Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune. "He's very decisive about his play. And I enjoy the fact that he hasn't flinched yet."

He has shown off his explosiveness this offseason, and he appears to be the front-runner for the No. 2 spot behind Forte.

The final spot will come down to a battle between Jacquizz Rodgers, Ka'Deem Carey and Senorise Perry.

The Bears signed Rodgers to a one-year deal this offseason, and the veteran running back excels on third down. He has good hands, can pound the football between the tackles and is one of the league's best pass-blocking running backs.

Rodgers has been the first running back off the bench behind Forte throughout the preseason, and the former Atlanta Falcon appears to be a lock to make the roster.

Wide Receivers (6)

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Joshua Bellamy is in the running to grab one of Chicago's open spots at wide receiver.

1. Alshon Jeffery
2. Eddie Royal
3. Marquess Wilson
4. Joshua Bellamy
5. Rashad Lawrence
6. Marc Mariani 

No position group on Chicago's roster has been hit harder by injuries this offseason than the wide receiver position.

The Bears have not commented on whether Jeffery, Wilson and Royal will play in the preseason finale, but it appears unlikely that they will play since most teams do not play their starters in the last preseason game of the year.

Assuming all three are healthy by Week 1, they will be on the team's 53-man roster.

In their absence, Bellamy, Lawrence and Mariani have received extended reps with the first-team offense. 

In three preseason games, Bellamy has hauled in four passes for 33 yards, Lawrence has made eight catches for 72 yards and Mariani has recorded two catches for 20 yards.

The trio has not set the NFL on fire with their play, but Cutler is willing to work with the unproven receivers.

"You guys know as well as I do the rest of the guys out there," Cutler said, per the Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs. "[But] it's a great opportunity for [them] and it has given me an opportunity to work with them, do some hands-on stuff with them. They're excited, so we'll see how it goes."

If Jeffery, Wilson and Royal are forced to miss time in the regular season due to their injuries, the Bears will end up having a difficult time moving the football down the field in the passing game with Bellamy, Lawrence and Mariani.

Tight Ends (3)

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Martellus Bennett is a lock to be Chicago's starter at tight end this season.

1. Martellus Bennett
2. Dante Rosario (TE/FB)
3. Zach Miller

Tight end Martellus Bennett missed Chicago's voluntary minicamp and OTAs, but he returned for the team's mandatory minicamp in June. 

According to Pro Football Focus, Bennett has played 77 snaps on offense this preseason and has recorded 11 catches for 94 yards. He was named to the Pro Bowl following the 2014 season, and the former Texas A&M standout is a lock to be Chicago's starting tight end this season.

Dante Rosario, Zach Miller, Bear Pascoe and Blake Annen are all competing for a roster spot behind Bennett.

Annen has upside and potential, but he would benefit from some time on the practice squad.

If the Bears opt to keep three tight ends, the final two spots will come down to Rosario, Miller and Pascoe.

Chicago lists Rosario as the team's top tight end/fullback on its unofficial depth chart, while Miller is his backup and Pascoe is Bennett's backup at the tight end position.

Both Rosario and Pascoe are known for being above-average blockers, but Rosario's ability in pass protection makes him the best option as the team's primary tight end/fullback.

Pascoe could make the roster if Chicago wants to load up on blockers, but Miller's ability to catch the football may be too difficult to overlook. Miller has not played in a regular-season game since 2011 due to various injuries, but he has the ability to catch the ball in the middle of the field and could complement Bennett down in the red zone.

Offensive Line (9)

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Guard Matt Slauson is expected to help anchor the left side of Chicago's offensive line in 2015.

1. Jermon Bushrod
2. Matt Slauson
3. Will Montgomery
4. Kyle Long
5. Charles Leno
6. Jordan Mills
7. Hroniss Grasu (Rookie)
8. Michael Ola
9. Vladimir Ducasse

Chicago's offensive line has struggled at times during the preseason, but left tackle Jermon Bushrod, left guard Matt Slauson, center Will Montgomery and right guard Kyle Long are all expected to be starters when the Bears take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 1.

The only starting job that is still up in the air is the right tackle position. Jordan Mills started at right tackle in the preseason opener against the Dolphins, but he was replaced by Charles Leno in the second preseason game against Indianapolis.

Both Mills and Leno have struggled this offseason, but it is likely that one of the two will be starting at right tackle when the season begins.

The Bears drafted center Hroniss Grasu in the third round of this year's draft, and while he struggled out of the gate in the team's first two preseason games, he looked more comfortable against the Bengals on Saturday. Per Pro Football Focus, he finished with a plus-1.6 overall grade against Cincinnati in 23 snaps. 

Barring an injury to Montgomery, Grasu is expected to spend the year as the team's No. 2 center in 2015.

The final two spots along the offensive line will go to journeymen Michael Ola and Vladimir Ducasse. 

Ola started 12 games last season at four different spots along the offensive line, and he could potentially push for the starting right tackle job if he plays well in the preseason finale. He is an athletic lineman who moves well in space, but he needs to get stronger at the point of attack.

Ducasse spent his first four years in the league with the New York Jets before signing with the Minnesota Vikings last offseason. He struggled in Minnesota, but he is a big (6'5", 325 lbs) guard who can clear space in the running game.

The Bears signed guard Lucas Nix last week, and the former Oakland Raider could push for a roster spot if he can get on the field for the finale against Cleveland.

Defensive Line (6)

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Will Sutton has been one of Chicago's biggest surprises on defense this offseason.

1. Jeremiah Ratliff (Suspended first three games)
2. Eddie Goldman (Rookie)
3. Jarvis Jenkins
4. Will Sutton
5. Ego Ferguson
6. Brandon Dunn

Veteran defensive lineman Jeremiah Ratliff was expected to anchor Chicago's defensive line this season, but he will miss the first three games of the year for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

“It’s something we’ve known about for a while,” said head coach John Fox about Ratliff, per ChicagoBears.com's Larry Mayer. “It happened a couple years ago. It’s not a new incident. It’s not breaking news. So it was just a matter of time and just like anybody else, it’ll be next man, next men up.”

With Ratliff out for the first three games, rookie Eddie Goldman has a chance to solidify the starting nose tackle position—if he can get healthy.

In the third preseason game against the Bengals, Goldman had to leave the contest because of a concussion, and it is not known when he will be able to return to practice. When healthy, Goldman is a strong presence in the middle of the defensive line, and he has the ability to take on two blockers in the running game.

The Bears signed veteran Jarvis Jenkins to a one-year deal this offseason, and the former Washington Redskin is poised to start at one of the 5-technique defensive end positions this season.

Jenkins spent his first four years in the league with the Redskins, and he knows he and his teammates will need to step up in Ratliff's absence, per Mayer:

"

We have to have guys step up, including myself. I'm one of the guys with the most experience on the d-line. We've got younger guys ... and we've got to bring those guys along. It's going to be key for me to set the mindset with these guys because we kind of took a step back. But that doesn't mean we're going to come out and play like we're down a man. We have to step up and go out there and play football.

"

Second-year man Ego Ferguson moved from 4-3 nose tackle to 3-4 defensive end this offseason, and the former LSU standout has a chance to start on the outside opposite of Jenkins in the regular-season opener with Ratliff out.

2014 third-round pick Will Sutton did not appear to be a good fit in defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's defense at nose tackle, but the young lineman has performed well this offseason.

"Biggest surprise of camp/preseason is Will Sutton," tweeted Bleacher Report's Dan Pompei. "He provides an argument that good players transcend scheme. Bears need him big time."

He will be used primarily inside at nose tackle, but he also has the ability to play outside at defensive end.

Undrafted in 2014, Brandon Dunn has a chance to make Chicago's roster because of his ability to play both nose tackle and defensive end. A standout at Louisville, Dunn played defensive tackle in Chicago's 4-3 defense last season, but he feels comfortable in the team's new 3-4 scheme.

“I feel comfortable in the defense," he said, per ChicagoFootball.com's Arthur Arkush. "The changeover for me was really not that hard. But if I’m in this defense I have to make some plays.”

Dunn has experience playing in a two-gap system from his time in Louisville, and he could be a surprise contributor this season.

Outside Linebackers (6)

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Pernell McPhee is expected to get after the quarterback from the outside linebacker position this season.

1. Pernell McPhee
2. Jared Allen
3. Lamarr Houston
4. David Bass
5. Sam Acho
6. Willie Young

Chicago's outside linebacker group is the one position that has seen the most change this offseason. 

The Bears signed Pernell McPhee and Sam Acho in free agency because of their experience at the position, and they also converted 4-3 defensive ends Jared Allen, Lamarr Houston, David Bass and Willie Young to outside linebackers.

McPhee is a lock to start on the outside, and the four-year veteran will be asked to be an every-down player in 2015 for the first time in his career. In three preseason games, he has registered five tackles and one sack.

Allen is one of the league's all-time best pass-rushers, but he will be rushing the passer in a couple of different ways this season. He will be asked to play out of a two-point stance for the first time in his career, but he has rushed the passer out of a traditional three-point stance at times in the preseason.

Allen may end up being a starter opposite of McPhee, but the Bears will likely use a heavy rotation at the position to keep players fresh.

After missing the first preseason game, Houston recorded one tackle in the team's second preseason game and finished Saturday's game against the Bengals with two sacks and two tackles. Houston has experience playing outside linebacker from his days with the Oakland Raiders, and he will be asked to not only rush the passer, but also to slow down the run.

Bass and Young are both learning a new position, but they have flashed at times during the preseason. Bass is athletic and strong, but he needs to improve his technique. Young is coming off an Achilles injury, but he played well against the Bengals.

Acho spent four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals before signing with the Bears this offseason. He has recorded 13 sacks, 124 tackles and seven forced fumbles in his career. He is a solid role player who could earn significant playing time if he performs well in a limited role at the beginning of the season.

Inside Linebackers (5)

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Christian Jones is a perfect fit at the "Jack" linebacker spot in defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's scheme.

1. Shea McClellin
2. Christian Jones
3. Mason Foster
4. Jon Bostic
5. John Timu (Rookie)

The Bears have used Shea McClellin and Christian Jones at inside linebacker with the first-team defense throughout the preseason, and the duo is expected to hold onto those spots in Week 1.

McClellin is playing his third different position in four years, but he looks comfortable at inside linebacker. He has his limitations in pass coverage, but he has shown an improvement against the run. He is not flashy, but he should be a solid contributor this season.

Jones is an athletic linebacker who can rush the passer and stop the run, but he needs to improve in pass coverage. He is quick enough to keep up with most tight ends and running backs in the passing game, but he needs to work on his technique.

Mason Foster has a chance to beat out McClellin if he plays well against Cleveland on Thursday night, but the veteran linebacker has been on the outside looking in all summer long. The Bears signed him to a one-year deal this offseason, but he has failed to take the starting job away from McClellin. If nothing else, Foster will provide solid depth at the position.

Jon Bostic has struggled with injuries this offseason, but the former Florida Gator has great athleticism for the position. He needs to improve his awareness, but he will provide the team with good depth.

The Bears signed Washington's John Timu as an undrafted free agent this offseason, and he has impressed during his limited time on the field. According to Pro Football Focus, the young linebacker has played 74 total snaps in the preseason and has recorded four tackles and one interception.

He will not push for playing time as a starter in 2015, but he could excel on special teams if given an opportunity.

Cornerbacks (6)

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CB Sherrick McManis is in line to be Chicago's primary nickelback in 2015.

1. Kyle Fuller
2. Alan Ball
3. Sherrick McManis
4. Demontre Hurst
5. Terrance Mitchell
6. Tracy Porter

Jennings went to back-to-back Pro Bowls in 2012 and 2013, but his play regressed last season in then-defensive coordinator Mel Tucker's scheme. Jennings struggled in the team's new defense, and the Bears opted to go in a different direction.

The veteran cornerback said he was not surprised that he was released.

"Once the [new] regime came in and everybody was here, I kind of knew and the writing was on the wall," Jennings said, per Biggs. "But they also gave me a heads-up and told me I would be out there competing for a job."

With Jennings now out of the picture, veteran Alan Ball is expected to line up opposite of second-year man Kyle Fuller as a starter this season. Ball is entering his ninth year in the league, and the former University of Illinois standout is a good fit in Fangio's system because of his size (6'2", 197 lbs).

Fuller has struggled at times this offseason, but the young cornerback will be leaned on heavily this season on the outside.

Veteran Sherrick McManis had a strong training camp and has been used at nickelback with the first-team defense this preseason. Demontre Hurst played nickelback for the Bears last season, and he gives the team solid depth at the position.

A seventh-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in 2014, Terrance Mitchell has been one of the team's biggest surprises this offseason. He plays aggressive at the line of scrimmage and is not afraid to go up and attack the football at its highest point.

The Bears signed Tracy Porter to a one-year deal earlier this offseason, but the veteran cornerback has struggled to get on the field. Per Pro Football Focus, Porter has only played seven snaps in the preseason, but Jennings' release could open up the door for him to make the roster as veteran depth.

Safeties (4)

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Rookie Adrian Amos is poised to begin the season as Chicago's starter at free safety.

1. Antrel Rolle
2. Adrian Amos (Rookie)
3. Brock Vereen
4. Anthony Jefferson (Rookie)

The Bears signed veteran Antrel Rolle in free agency earlier this offseason, and the two-time All-Pro is set to be the team's starting strong safety. Rolle has struggled at times during the preseason, but his track record suggests he should be able to bounce back in the regular season.

The Bears drafted Adrian Amos in the fifth round of this year's draft, and the former Penn State Nittany Lion appears to be the team's best option to start at free safety against the Packers. Amos got the start at free safety against the Colts in the second preseason game, and he started Saturday's game against the Bengals.

Amos is still raw, but he has a lot of upside and has improved from week to week during the preseason.

The final two spots on the roster will go to second-year man Brock Vereen and undrafted rookie Anthony Jefferson.

Mundy started all 16 games for the Bears last season and led the team with 103 tackles, but he was not expected to be a starter prior to being placed on injured reserve on Sunday.

Vereen made four starts last season and finished the year with 39 tackles, one forced fumble and one interception. He began the preseason as the starting free safety, but he struggled against the Dolphins and was eventually replaced by Amos. He could be used in certain sub-packages this season, but he needs to improve his awareness. 

Jefferson played both cornerback and safety at UCLA, but he needs to improve his coverage skills. He is a hard-hitting safety who is not afraid to play up in the box against the run, and he has the ability to play special teams. He could get pushed by veteran Sherrod Martin, but Jefferson has more upside. 

Special Teams (3)

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Punter Pat O'Donnell (16) and kicker Robbie Gould (9) are locks to make the roster.

Robbie Gould (Kicker)

Pat O'Donnell (Punter)

Thomas Gafford (Long snapper)

After making just nine of his 12 field-goal attempts in 2014, kicker Robbie Gould is looking to get back on track this season. He has made all eight of his field-goal attempts in the preseason and will be the team's kicker in 2015.

Pat O'Donnell averaged 43.8 yards per punt last season, and he landed 20 of his 71 punts inside the 20-yard line. He has punted 19 times in the preseason and is averaging 42.8 yards per punt. Seven of his punts have landed inside the 20-yard line.

After the Bears released Lovato over the weekend, long snapper Thomas Gafford secured his spot on the roster. He signed with Kansas City in October 2008 and played 105 games between 2008 and 2014 for the Chiefs. Barring an injury, he will be the team's long snapper this season.

Statistical information and measurables courtesy of NFL.com unless otherwise noted. Roster information courtesy of ChicagoBears.com.

Matt Eurich is a Chicago Bears featured columnist for Bleacher Report and a member of the Pro Football Writers of America.

Follow @MattEurich.