For the Bears, the 4th and final preseason game was nothing more than a showcase to win the final roster spots. So who performed and who did not?
Winners:
Santonio Holmes: After being brought in late, following Marquess Wilson's injury, Holmes did not have much of a chance to showcase what he had left. However, with a great catch and move for a TD and a great punt return to follow, Holmes showed his value to the team and likely won himself a roster spot.
Josh Bellamy: Almost forgotten about in the battle at wide receiver, Bellamy came out and played like a man possessed. He caught several 4 passes for 78 yards and greatly improved his chances at making the team.
Christian Jones: Undrafted out of Florida State, Jones had a lot to prove. In the last game, he got to show his athleticism and prowess at linebacker and special teams.
Shaun Draughn: Originally listed as the primary backup to Matt Forte, Draughn fell quickly. but came out and played well in the final preseason game rushing for 29 yards.
Losers:
Demontre Hurst: I figured he had played well enough to earn his way onto the roster via special teams. But after a few miscues and an absolutely awful pass interference penalty, his chances took a tumble.
Jeron Mastrud: With Zach Miller out for the season, the battle for TE opened wide. Bennett and Rosario seem to have the 1-2 spots locked up, but with #3 still available, Mastrud came out and had a pedestrian game, including bad pass bobble.
We will be discussing in more detail on this weekend's podcast episode. So watch for Episode 26 on Sunday.