The Bears have already started trimming down their roster as they turn the page from training camp to Week 1 preparations, but they still have a lot of work to do. Here’s what you need to know about the next few days as the Bears form their team.
WHEN IS THE NFL ROSTER CUT DEADLINE?
Each NFL team must form its first regular season roster by 15.00 on Tuesday. We say “initial” and not “final” because the list will change many times during the year.
HOW MANY PLAYERS CAN THE BEARS KEEP?
Each team can bring 53 players on their roster, down from the 90 they are allowed to bring over the summer.
HOW ARE IR DESIGNATIONS WORKING THIS YEAR?
The NFL changed how teams can place players on IR this offseason. Previously, a team had to include a player on its initial 53-man roster before they could place him on IR with a designation to return in four weeks. That meant cutting or waiving a player to make room for a player who would sit out, and hoping they weren’t linked to another team in the interim.
This year, teams are allowed to place two players on IR on Tuesday with a designation to return, and they don’t have to go on the initial 53-man roster first. Cleans up some rigamarole.
WHAT SPOT DOES THE BEAR HAVE ON THE CABLE?
Even with the new IR rules, some surprising players will make it to the waiver wire. It happens every year. The Bears will be the ninth in a row to add these players. The eight teams ahead of the Bears on waivers are the Panthers, Commanders, Patriots, Cardinals, Chargers, Giants, Titans and Falcons.