With week 1 of the 2025 NFL preseason in the books for every team across the league, we take a moment to reflect on our ‘Bears on the Bubble’ and make any adjustments after the Chicago Bears hosted the Miami Dolphins in week 1 of the preseason.
5. Dominique Robinson – DE
The first newcomer on this list, despite recording a sack in yesterday’s contest, Dom Rob finds himself on the Bubble thanks to the addition of fellow “big-bodied” DE Tanoh Kpassagnon (6’7”, 289) as well as the strong play of 2nd year Edge, Austin Booker who finished with 3 sacks and 3 TFL in limited action. Dom Rob (6’5”, 275) has some positional flexibility and has been making an impression on coaches in camp, but he will need to keep his momentum going to fend off the vet addition in order to keep a spot on the 53.
The only other new comer to this list this week, T-Smith’s appearance coincides with his name also appearing on the Injury List this week after leaving the game early against the Dolphins with an undisclosed injury. To add insult to injury, not only did Nashon Wright appear to strengthen his grip ahead of Smith on the depth chart, but newcomer Trey Flowers had a very impressive performance with sticky coverage and ball skills as well. Smith is a player who can make an impact in this league, but with suddenly some solid depth in the secondary, he may find himself on the outside looking in. Doubtful he would make it to the practice squad, but that would be a dream at this point.
Unlike teammates Ryan Bates and Noah Sewell who find themselves off the bubble, for now, Homer is more at risk than ever after week 1 of the preseason where he saw all 3 of the Running Backs (Kyle Monangai, Deon Hankins and Ian Wheeler,) in competition for the last one or two RB roster spots put forth solid tape against the Dolphins. This comes after rookie Kyle Monangai appears to have already jumped Homer on the depth chart. How many backs will Ben Johnson’s offense keep and will Homer be one of them? That question seems more difficult to answer at this point.
The former South Carolina Gamecock remains on this list, though he relinquishes his top spot after the first preseason action is wrapped up. Pickens got the start and played most of the game by my vantage point and even recorded a sack and TFL. However, the injury to rookie DT Shemar Turner still hangs over Pickens like a cloud and if Turner can get healthy before the regular season, there may not be anymore room for the 3rd year pro. That said, his performance could only be taken as a positive and if he can string together more performances like that, he may keep sliding back on this list of Bears on the Bubble.
Up to the #1 spot after hearing more about nearly every other WR in training camp and then putting forth a measly 1 catch for 8 yards in the game against Miami. To his credit, Scott did force a defensive PI with a nice route, but failed to muscle through the contact for an exceptional play which is what he will need more of if he wants to stick on this years team. Personally, I would like to see him get some more kickoff and punt returns with this team as Devin Duvernay (former Pro Bowler and all) has failed to impress me thus far and Scott will need to increase his value on Special Teams in order to have a chance at the 53.
What about you? Who do you think has the hardest chance of sticking on the Bears’ final 53-man roster in 2025 after the game against the Dolphins? What are your thoughts on the ones listed above?