8 Chicago Bears Who Need to Step It Up or Face the Chopping Block

There is still plenty of time remaining until the final roster has to be set for the Bears, yet for the players who are on the bubble, it's time to put up or shut up.

The second game of the preseason is Monday night against the Giants and, as always, the final score matters little in comparison with the evaluation for the final spots on the 53-man roster.

While the skill positions at QB, running back and wide receiver are fairly well set in stone, there is the question of whether the team will keep five or six wideouts, and if they will maintain three or four backs.

On defense, the starters are also known, although safety, defensive tackle and cornerback (other than Charles Tillman, of course) do have some room for further consideration.

Meanwhile, that offensive line does not seem to be final, despite what Mike Tice has said. In fact, he left himself room for changes by stating that the starting five are set "unless they falter." And falter they certainly did against Buffalo.

So let's see which players face the guillotine if they don't step up and play well in the remaining preseason games. 

Marcus Harrison

He reported to camp 11 pounds overweight, and he suffered an injury during the Buffalo game, though it was just a stinger.

If the Bears keep five defensive tackles, those five will likely be Anthony Adams, Henry Melton (who will likely start opposite Adams), Stephen Paea, Amobi Okoye and Matt Toeina.

That means that Harrison could be on the cutting block. 

Harrison was inactive for six of the Bears' first seven games last season, as well as the last four. He contributed just one tackle.

The former third round pick has been a real disappointment.

Chester Taylor

It has been one of the worst kept secrets in Bears camp that Taylor is on the chopping block. But I just can't see why the Bears would keep him, unless they want four running backs and in a Mike Martz offense, I just can't see that happening.

The signing of Marion Barber, who will fill the role that the Bears wanted Taylor to fill last season, and the emergence of Kahlil Bell will more than likely seal his fate.

Unless Bell plays poorly or gets in the coaches' doghouse for some reason, Taylor will be cut. He made $7 million in 2010 and averaged just 2.38 yards per carry.

Lance Louis

Right guard Lance Louis played well during training camp, but had a rough game against the Bills. He didn't name names, but Louis and J'Marcus Webb were called out by offensive line coach Mike Tice after the game.

Louis started the first four games last season before Edwin Williams took his spot for three games, followed by Garza moving into that spot over the final nine games.

Louis was a seventh-round pick in the 2009 draft. Last season, he started four games and appeared in all 16 games. He was one of the O-linemen burned in last October's loss to the Giants, when New York sacked Jay Cutler nine times in the first half.

He has had his share of injury and inconsistency and, if he doesn't show improvement, could become a camp casualty.

Dom DeCicco

DeCicco is one of the undrafted free agents that has a real chance to make the final roster.

The Bears will keep six linebackers, and while they are still keeping track of Pisa Tinoisamoa, his recovery from surgery could prevent him from being ready in time, or he could sign elsewhere, leaving the sixth spot to DeCicco.

The other five linebackers are locks: Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Nick Roach, Brian Iwuh and rookie J.T. Thomas.

It helps that Lovie Smith praised DeCicco's work on special teams. But he needs to keep working hard and making an impression if he wants to make this team. If he doesn't take advantage of his opportunities in the preseason games, he will be on the chopping block.

Kris Admas

If the Bears decide to keep six wide receivers, then Adams will be one of the players vying for that last spot on the roster.

Lovie Smith has noticed Adams, and he adds much needed height to the current receiver corps. He made a nice catch last Sunday against the Bills, but needs to keep doing that if he wants to keep his head off the chopping block.

Dane Sanzenbacher

Sanzenbacher was an undrafted free agent but like Adams, he could find himself in a battle for a sixth wide receiver spot on this Bears team.

He has impressed in camp, and looks like a kid who will catch everything thrown to him. While he may not possess the athletic skills or height of Adams, he runs solid routes and catches the ball.

If he makes the team, he could be a third down, possession-type of wideout that the Bears need. They used Earl Bennett in the slot a lot last season, so if he makes the team, this could cut into Bennett's playing time.

But like Adams, he needs to perform when given the chance. If not, it's hello chopping block.

Craig Steltz

Steltz has always been a player that coaches like better in practice than during real games. The former fourth round pick is in danger of facing the chopping block if his play during these remaining preseason games doesn't impress.

The fourth-year safety benefits from the team's failure to re-sign Danieal Manning, possibly giving Steltz a chance to make this team.

Lovie Smith sounded like he's seen this act before from Steltz.

"[Steltz] definitely showed up tonight," said coach Lovie Smith. "But that's normally what he does in training camp. He makes plays and for whatever reason he hasn't gotten an opportunity to play a lot in the regular season. But we noticed him. That's what it's about; not blending in, making a few big plays for people to take notice."

Vernon Gholston

Gholston is a former sixth-overall pick who was a bust with the Jets, and now has a chance at redemption with the Bears.

He needs to play well in the Giants and Titans games to prove that his outstanding play at The Ohio State University was no fluke.

Here's what the man himself has to say about this opportunity:

“To me, it’s all about effort, keeping going hard, working my moves, working my hands,” Gholston said. “The biggest thing is playing defensive end, having my hand in the dirt, playing outside again, just trying to contribute to the team.

“[The Bears’ defense] is something I’m familiar with, ran a little of it at Ohio State. For me, it’s all about coming in and putting out my best effort.”