Chicago Bears Preseason: 5 Role Players Who Must Show Improvement vs. Titans

The Chicago Bears' roster is still fairly open, including starting roles. Though they have designated starters, there is a good chance that some role players will slip into starting roles, if they have successful preseasons.

There are also some players who were strong contributors last season, but lost their starting positions or are on the brink of being cut from the team.

The third preseason game is typically the game in which the starters play the most, generally into the third quarter. So, the role players will have an even bigger uphill battle on Saturday against the Tennessee Titans, because they will have less time to showcase their talents. 

Here are the role players that need to have impressive performances to keep, or upgrade, their roles with the Chicago Bears. 

Chester Taylor: RB

Last season, the Bears brought in Chester Taylor from the rival Minnesota Vikings with the intentions of him being the Robin to Matt Forte's Batman. 

Unfortunately, this was not the case. Taylor was never able to get it going and rushed for just 267 yards on 112 attempts for 2.4 YPC.

This preseason has not been any better for Taylor, as he rushed for just 1.7 YPC.

The Chicago Bears depth chart is getting very full at running back, and Chester Taylor looks to already have one foot out the door.

Marion Barber has emerged as the clear second-string running back, and third-string runner Kahlil Bell has special teams value that Taylor does not.

Unless Taylor is able to play exceptionally well in the next two preseason games, he will most likely not have a job for the start of the 2011 NFL season.  

Vernon Gholston: DE

Vernon Gholston has been a disappointment since the New York Jets took him with the sixth overall pick in 2008.

He hasn't even been an okay player, let alone a great one. Gholston has yet to record a sack in the NFL, and has more games played then he does tackles.

He is still very young, and will benefit from playing behind Julius Peppers, but he needs to show the Chicago Bears that he can, at least, be a role player.

Gholston has continued his mediocre play this preseason recording just two tackles and zero sacks.

His real opportunity to show what he is made of will come in the fourth preseason game, but he will still get a chance to prove himself at the end of the game versus the Titans.   

Craig Steltz: DB

Craig Steltz is currently listed as the second strong safety on the depth chart behind Chris Harris but will be lucky to remain there. 

Steltz has been less than impressive in his three seasons with the Bears, recording just 33 tackles and one interception. 

He should also be concerned, because the Bears signed undrafted rookie defensive back Anthony Walters, who is faster and stronger than Steltz, and will be gunning for his job. 

While Steltz has not played poorly in the preseason, he has not played well either. He is in serious danger of losing his position with the Bears if he does not step up his game. 

Frank Omiyale: LT

Frank Omiyale started all 16 games on the Bears offensive line in 2010, but has been replaced at left tackle by J'Marcus Webb. 

No one can blame the Bears for benching any starter from the 2010 offensive line, which gave up more sacks than any other team in the NFL, but I would not count Omiyale completely out. 

Webb also started on the line last season for the Bears, but at right tackle. Omiyale essentially lost his spot to rookie first-round pick Gabe Carimi, who has taken over at right tackle, moving Webb to Omiyale's position.

I would not be surprised to see the offensive line struggle this season, which could provide Omiyale a chance to win back his starting position, but he needs to play lights out against the Titans on Saturday.   

Earl Bennett: WR

Earl Bennett is one of those players I could see going off this season. He is a favorite target of Jay Cutler and is the most talented wide receiver on the Bears roster. 

It is just a matter of him getting the opportunity to play. Bennett is currently playing behind Devin Hester (which is unbelievable) and is starting in the slot. 

Bennett has the talent to burn a defensive back, or go over the middle and make a big catch. His greatest weakness is his on-the-field intelligence.

His inability to learn the plays and run routes was the coaches' reason he did not get as much playing time last year.

These issues can be worked through and are relatively easy to fix, which is why Bennett is still in the mix. 

The Bears are deeper at wide receiver this season with Roy E. Williams from Dallas and rookie Kris Adams, who has played well in the preseason. So, Bennett will have to make the most of his limited playing time. Saturday against the Titans would be the perfect opportunity to showcase himself.

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