Morning Bears Bits: Examining First Round Of Cuts
By Adam Hoge-
(CBS) -- The Bears wasted no time cutting down their roster, waiving 14 players Sunday -- 48 hours before the Tuesday deadline.
The timing made sense as the team will return to practice Monday at Halas Hall before their final preseason game Thursday. It also gives those cut a chance to catch on with another team right away.
The Bears must make one more cut by 3 p.m. Tuesday to get their roster down to 75. Final cuts then must be made by Saturday to get the roster down to 53.
Here's a look at those who were let go by the Bears Sunday:
DE Kyle Moore - Count Moore as the first surprising cut of the season. The fifth-year defensive end from USC was mostly working with the second-team on a thin unit and was showing the ability to bounce inside from time to time as well. He started seven games for Bills last season, recording three sacks.
WR Devin Aromashodu - It became apparent pretty early on that Aromashodu's second-stint with the Bears wasn't going to last very long. The last time he was in Chicago, he was the team's biggest receiver. This time, he was one of the smallest, as general manager Phil Emery has placed an emphasis on size at the receiving position.
S Tom Zbikowski - The local product arrived with some excitement, but he played with the third-team defense the entire preseason and never appeared to have a serious chance of making the final roster.
TE Gabe Miller - The only reason this is a surprise is because he wouldn't have counted against the Bears' 53-man roster during his four-game suspension to start the season. Could have been considered insurance during that time.
TE Leonard Pope - There was hype when Pope was brought in early in the month, but he never really moved up the depth chart and didn't show much in three preseason games.
P Tress Way - Had a legitimate chance to unseat Adam Podlesh at punter, but Podlesh was simply better during the first three preseason games.
RB Curtis Brinkley - Brinkley was brought in as an extra body when Armando Allen got hurt. He was never in play to make the team.
DT Eric Foster - Also brought in during camp. Didn't show much in the eight days he was with the Bears.
OT A.J. Lindeman - The undrafted free agent from Toledo never really moved up the depth chart during training camp.
C P.J. Lonergan - The undrafted free agent from LSU was buried at a position where the Bears might not even keep a true backup center.
S Derrick Martin - Martin was brought in during camp and never really factored into the Bears' plans.
DT Brent Russell - Brought in during camp and wasn't much of a factor.
LB Patrick Trahan - Wasn't eligible for the practice squad after spending time on it the last two seasons with the Bears. Didn't seem to be in the mix at linebacker.
LB Lawrence Wilson - Carolina's 2011 sixth-round pick was signed by the Bears in January, but didn't make a splash in training camp.
Links
- Are the Browns going to play their starters against the Bears Thursday? They might.
- Steve Silverman thinks Jay Cutler is among those facing the most pressure this season.
- It was just a preseason game, but the Bears certainly looked good in Oakland Friday night.
- Did rookies Kyle Long and Jordan Mills cement themselves as starters Friday? Probably.
Monday's Schedule
The Bears will practice at 11:10 a.m. at Halas Hall. Defensive coordinator Mel Tucker and special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis are scheduled to speak to the media.
