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4 undrafted rookies made Chicago Bears' initial 53-man roster
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- 4 undrafted rookies made Chicago Bears' initial 53-man roster
S Skyler Thomas
(Katie Stratman, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The Chicago Bears assembled their initial 53-man roster on Sunday, where there were some difficult cuts and decisions. But there were also some pleasant surprises, especially among undrafted rookies.
After last year's draft class (and undrafted class) and produced some key contributors including tight end Colston Loveland , receivers Luther Burden III and Jahdae Walker , running back Kyle Monangai and offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo , this year's class has the potential to be another impactful one with the emergences of safety Dillon Thieneman, receiver Zavion Thomas, tight end Sam Roush, cornerback Malik Muhammad and defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg.
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But there are also some impressive outings from this year's undrafted rookies that resulted in four of them making the initial 53-man cut. Here's a look:
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) reacts in the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) runs against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears running back Brittain Brown (38) runs against Tennessee Titans running back Nicholas Singleton (32) during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Zavion Thomas (81) makes a catch against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Xavier Restrepo (87) runs against Chicago Bears defensive back Cam Lewis (21) during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Case Keenum (11) passes against the Tennessee Titans during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (23) runs against the Tennessee Titans during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Zavion Thomas (81) makes a catch against the Tennessee Titans during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (23) celebrates with wide receiver Zavion Thomas (81) after scoring a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (23) celebrates with wide receiver Zavion Thomas (81) after scoring a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (23) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Joel Wilson (83) forces Chicago Bears linebacker Jon Rhattigan (46) to fumble during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Joel Wilson (83) forces Chicago Bears linebacker Jon Rhattigan (46) to fumble during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Wayne Matthews III (35) tackles Tennessee Titans running back Michael Carter (35) during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Maurice Alexander (13) runs against the Tennessee Titans during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Maurice Alexander (13) runs against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears running back Salvon Ahmed (36) tackles Tennessee Titans wide receiver Xavier Restrepo (87) during the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Jeremiah Martin (69) and defensive tackle Neville Gallimore (90) tackle Tennessee Titans quarterback Hendon Hooker (16) during the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Jeremiah Martin (69) tackles Tennessee Titans quarterback Hendon Hooker (16) during the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) greets Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) after the game at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) warms up before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears safety Dillon Thieneman (31) breaks up a pass intended for Tennessee Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate (14) in the first quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears safety Dillon Thieneman (31) breaks up a pass intended for Tennessee Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate (14) in the first quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) throws a pass for a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in the first quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chimere Dike (17) runs against
Chicago Bears safety Xavier Woods (23) during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Kylen Granson (86) makes a catch against Chicago Bears safety Dillon Thieneman (31) during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) runs against Chicago Bears defensive line Jamree Kromah (59) during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Stephen Carlson (88) runs against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson in the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Maurice Alexander (13) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Maurice Alexander (13) makes a catch to score a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) reacts in the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) reacts in the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) reacts in the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) runs against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears running back Brittain Brown (38) runs against Tennessee Titans running back Nicholas Singleton (32) during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Chicago Bears 53-man roster for 2026 season
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Zavion Thomas (81) makes a catch against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Xavier Restrepo (87) runs against Chicago Bears defensive back Cam Lewis (21) during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Chicago Bears 53-man roster for 2026 season
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Case Keenum (11) passes against the Tennessee Titans during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (23) runs against the Tennessee Titans during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Zavion Thomas (81) makes a catch against the Tennessee Titans during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (23) celebrates with wide receiver Zavion Thomas (81) after scoring a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (23) celebrates with wide receiver Zavion Thomas (81) after scoring a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (23) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Joel Wilson (83) forces Chicago Bears linebacker Jon Rhattigan (46) to fumble during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Joel Wilson (83) forces Chicago Bears linebacker Jon Rhattigan (46) to fumble during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Wayne Matthews III (35) tackles Tennessee Titans running back Michael Carter (35) during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Maurice Alexander (13) runs against the Tennessee Titans during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Maurice Alexander (13) runs against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears running back Salvon Ahmed (36) tackles Tennessee Titans wide receiver Xavier Restrepo (87) during the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Jeremiah Martin (69) and defensive tackle Neville Gallimore (90) tackle Tennessee Titans quarterback Hendon Hooker (16) during the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Jeremiah Martin (69) tackles Tennessee Titans quarterback Hendon Hooker (16) during the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) greets Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) after the game at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) warms up before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears safety Dillon Thieneman (31) breaks up a pass intended for Tennessee Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate (14) in the first quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears safety Dillon Thieneman (31) breaks up a pass intended for Tennessee Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate (14) in the first quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) throws a pass for a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in the first quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chimere Dike (17) runs against
Chicago Bears safety Xavier Woods (23) during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Kylen Granson (86) makes a catch against Chicago Bears safety Dillon Thieneman (31) during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Report: Bears release DE Jamree Kromah
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) runs against Chicago Bears defensive line Jamree Kromah (59) during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Stephen Carlson (88) runs against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson in the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Maurice Alexander (13) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Maurice Alexander (13) makes a catch to score a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Titans: Photos from Chicago's preseason finale win
Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) reacts in the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
LS Beau Gardner
Beau Gardner was already expected to make the 53-man roster after beating out first-year pro Luke Elkin for the starting long snapper job a few weeks ago in training camp. Gardner is coming off six seasons in college and won the Patrick Mannelly Award as the nation's top long snapper last season. With the Bears opting to move on from veteran Scott Daly , it opened the door for an undrafted rookie like Gardner to take advantage of his opportunity.
TE Hayden Large
The undrafted rookie tight end garnered the interest of head coach Ben Johnson during the pre-draft process. Hayden Large spent the last three seasons at Iowa, where he played in 38 games, including 12 starts, where he was a contributor both in the passing and running game. Large was a standout during the offseason, but he suffered an injury during training camp that's expected to land him on injured reserve to start the 2026 season. Still, it's clear that Chicago has high hopes for Large in this offense.
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DT Jayden Loving
There's been a lot of discussion about sixth-round rookie Jordan van den Berg, but undrafted defensive tackle Jayden Loving has also made waves during training camp and the preseason -- and it was enough to earn him a spot on the initial 53-man roster. Loving is physical, athletic and disruptive, and that showed during the preseason, where he totaled two tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble, and a pass defended in the preseason finale against the Titans. We'll see how Loving factors into the defensive line rotation, but there's no denying the Bears fell in love with him this summer.
S Skyler Thomas
With so many questions at safety with Coby Bryant expected to miss most of the season, it allowed the perfect opportunity for Skyler Thomas to prove himself and earn a spot on the 53-man roster. Thomas impressed throughout training camp and the preseason, where he showcased his vision, coverage skills and ability to stop the run. He was even running with the starters during practice. The fact that Thomas is still in the early developmental stages of the NFL, his impressive start is encouraging for the future and how he could factor into this secondary.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 4 undrafted rookies made Chicago Bears' initial 53-man roster
