Chicago Bears: 5 Players Who Moved Closer to the Chopping Block vs. Giants

The Chicago Bears took a thumping Monday night against the New York Giants, losing 41-13 at the New Meadowlands in front of a national preseason audience.

While the scoreline isn't overly concerning, the fact that several Bears did very little to take their names off the roster bubble is.

In the NFL, the preseason and training camp are the most important tools that teams use to evaluate how they will fill out their 53-man rosters. Every snap a player gets this time of year is scrutinized to the fullest. Not taking advantage of opportunities in August can ultimately lead to a player's dismissal come roster cut downs. 

Here's a look at how some of the Bears on the roster bubble fared Monday night.   

WR Kris Adams

Adams caught just one pass for 12 yards on Monday night against the Giants, which could put him further behind in the race to become one of the Bears receivers that make the 53-man roster.

But not only did Adams turn out a ghostly performance, one of his rivals for the spot, Dane Sanzenbacher, was considerably more effective. He caught four passes for 34 yards on seven targets and also got an opportunity to return punts.

The Bears like Adams' size and he's played well in camp, but those performances have to transfer over to the playing field.

On Monday night, that didn't happen for Adams. 

RB Chester Taylor

Taylor's spot on the roster bubble is well-documented. He put together a season to forget in 2010 after the Bears paid him handsomely to be Matt Forte's lead backup, a role he played well behind Adrian Peterson in Minnesota. 

Seven million dollars later, Taylor is almost certainly on the way out. 

He didn't do himself any favors Monday night either. Taylor carried the ball three times for seven yards and caught one pass for six yards.

That's not the kind of impact the Bears are looking for from a guy they continue to pay big money to. Taylor will likely be looking for new employment.

DT Marcus Harrison

Harrison came to camp overweight and suffered an injury in the Bears' first preseason game. Not a good start for someone who arrived on the roster bubble. 

Then, on Monday night, Harrison was in on just two tackles and seemed to lack any kind of push in the run or pass game. 

The Bears are also deep at defensive tackle at this point, which could mean Harrison's chances to make the team are slim. 

He'll need to play better in the Bears' remaining two preseason games to put himself back into the running for a spot on the defensive line. 

DE Vernon Gholston

What a mystery the career of Vernon Gholston has been. 

He looked like a difference-maker defensively coming out of Ohio State, but he's never been able to put it all together in the NFL. 

Released by the Jets in March, Gholston latched on with the Bears in an attempt to revive his drowning career. But in camp and during the preseason, Gholston hasn't done enough to warrant a continued look.

Monday night against the Giants, Gholston came off the bench after two undrafted free agents—Nick Reed and Mario Addison. He has to be a long shot to make the team at this point. 

P Spencer Lanning

With the Bears signing Adam Podlesh this offseason, former South Carolina punter Spencer Lanning had a tough hill to climb to make the team.

While he wasn't terrible against the Giants, he certainly didn't do anything to change his status. Lanning had two punts for 84 yards and a 42-yard average. Again, not terrible numbers, but also not anything that will make you take a second look. 

Unless Podlesh goes down with an injury, Lanning won't be making the team.