The Chicago Bears are preparing for their first preseason game on Thursday night, and ahead of that contest against the Miami Dolphins at Soldier Field, they have unveiled their first unofficial depth chart.
There aren’t many surprises on the list, with Jay Cutler slotting in as the starting quarterback and Matt Forte as the starting running back.
Here are the full list of the players who are listed as the top player at their respective positions:
Wide Receivers: Eddie Royal, Alshon Jeffery
Running Back: Matt Forte
Tight End: Martellus Bennett
Tight End/Fullback: Dante Rosario
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Quarterback: Jay Cutler
Offensive Line: Jermon Bushrod, Matt Slauson, Will Montgomery, Kyle Long, Jordan Mills
Defensive Line: Ego Ferguson, Jeremiah Ratliff, Jarvis Jenkins
Linebackers: Jared Allen, Shea McClellin, Christian Jones, Pernell McPhee
Cornerbacks: Tim Jennings, Kyle Fuller
Safeties: Brock Vereen, Antrel Rolle
Special Teams: Pat O’Donnell, Robbie Gould, Thomas Gafford, Marc Mariani
None of the decisions were particularly surprising when it comes to which players were given starter’s jobs on the chart, but there were some surprising moves made on the second and third levels of the depth chart. Willie Young, who was an integral part of the Bears’ defense last season, is currently listed as the third outside linebacker on the chart, behind McPhee and Sam Acho.
Lamarr Houston is also listed as a second-stringer behind Allen after looking solid out of a two-point stance during a lot of training camp.
The decision to have Jones and McClellin ahead of Mason Foster on the depth chart was also a bit of a surprise, but consistent with the reports and observations reporters have been making during the team’s practices in Bourbonnais. McClellin looks as though he has taken to the starter’s job quickly, barking out signals and fulfilling his responsibilities in both the pass and run coverage schemes. Jones is more of a question mark, but it would be silly to think that Foster won’t have every opportunity to overtake him when the preseason wraps up.
The final bit of surprising news was the fact that Will Sutton is ranked ahead of Cornelius Washington on the depth chart at defensive end. Sutton has struggled at times during training camp, but Washington hasn’t quite been able to take advantage as he looks to secure a roster spot.
The Bears will kick off Thursday’s game against the Dolphins at 7 p.m.
