Ben Johnson says Bears roster bubble is still wide open entering final cutdown week

Following Chicago's second preseason game, Johnson said Monday's conversations between the coaching staff and personnel department will be critical as the Bears try to get aligned before final cuts.

"Monday's discussions with personnel will be big for alignment," Johnson said. "For guys on the bubble, it's a huge week."

The Bears have several position battles still unresolved, including spots at wide receiver, running back, defensive line and in the secondary. Johnson doesn't view the lack of complete clarity as a problem.

"There isn't complete clarity yet, which is a good thing," Johnson said. "It means we have great competition across the roster."

Bears still sorting through several roster-bubble decisions

That competition has been one of the biggest themes of training camp.

Players like Kaden Davis, Maurice Alexander, Salvon Ahmed, Jamree Kromah and Skyler Thomas have all had moments that strengthened their cases. Others have flashed in practice or during preseason games but haven't separated enough to lock themselves into the final 53.

Johnson said the evaluation will continue through the film review and final preseason week.

"Between watching tonight's tape and next week, I'm confident we'll land on our 53," Johnson said.

But Johnson also emphasized that the Bears aren't evaluating only the players who will survive final cuts.

Ben Johnson is thinking beyond the 53-man roster

Johnson emphasized the importance of the practice squad, too.

"But it's really about finding the best 69 guys," Johnson said, "because the practice squad will inevitably be called on over a 17-game season."

Remember: the Bears aren't simply trying to identify starters and backups. They're trying to build the deepest possible 69-man group between the active roster and practice squad.

A player who misses the 53 can still become an important part of the season. For the Bears' bubble players, the message is pretty clear: This is the week to make the decision difficult.