As NFL cut down deadline approaches, here’s what we know about where the Bears stand

NFL teams across the country are deciding who stays and who goes on Tuesday.

Teams must cut their rosters to 53 players by 3 p.m. Tuesday. With 80 players currently on the roster, that means teams are cutting as many as 27 players Tuesday.

Here’s what we know so far about where the Bears stand.

Bears release veteran CB Desmond Trufant

The Bears are releasing veteran cornerback Desmond Trufant, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Bears released CB Desmond Trufant today, per source. Trufant left Chicago on Aug. 13 to be with his father, who passed away on Aug. 15, and he remained with his family during camp. Trufant still owed $3.5 million from the Lions, but wants to continue playing.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 31, 2021

Trufant has been away from the team for about two weeks due to a personal matter. The team signed him in March after releasing former All-Pro cornerback Kyle Fuller. The move likely paves the way for Kindle Vildor or Artie Burns to take over one starting cornerback job opposite Jaylon Johnson.

Bears waive WR Dazz Newsome

The Bears are waiving receiver Dazz Newsome, according to the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

The #Bears are waiving rookie WR Dazz Newsome, per source. The sixth-round pick from North Carolina is wanted back on the practice squad, but he'd have to clear waivers first.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 31, 2021

Newsome was a sixth-round draft pick (221st overall) out of North Carolina in the spring. He could return to the Bears’ practice squad, but he would have to clear waivers first. Newsome had a ton of experience as a slot receiver in college and could be a contributor as a punt returner. He did suffer a broken collarbone over the summer, which kept him out for about eight weeks, but he returned during training camp and played in the preseason.

[ Dazz Newsome kept dropping slant passes, then his college coaches told him to see an eye doctor ]

Running back Ryan Nall to be placed on waivers

Bears running back Ryan Nall will be cut, according to the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

The #Bears cut RB Ryan Nall, source said.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 31, 2021

Nall signed with the Bears in 2018 as an undrafted free agent out of Oregon State. He spent 2018 and half of 2019 on the practice squad. He was called up to the 53-man roster midway through 2019 and played in all 16 games in 2020, mostly on special teams.

In all, he appeared in 24 games over three seasons.

Bears reportedly cut Riley Ridley, Thomas Graham

The Bears are parting ways with receiver Riley Ridley, according to a report from the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The #Bears are releasing Riley Ridley, former 4th round pick and Calvin’s younger brother, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 31, 2021

Ridley was a 2019 fourth-round draft pick by the Bears. He spent much of his two seasons on the practice squad. Ridley appeared in 10 career games, recording 10 catches for 108 yards. He is the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley.

The Bears are also waiving defensive back Thomas Graham Jr., a 2021 sixth-round draft pick, according to multiple reports. Graham seems like a candidate to return on the practice squad. He opted out of the entire 2020 college football season last year.

Several players miss practice Monday

Five players were absent and unaccounted for when the team practiced Monday afternoon. Receiver Chris Lacy, defensive back Dionte Ruffin, tight end Scooter Harrington, offensive lineman Adam Redmond and defensive lineman Daniel Archibong were absent from practice.