The tight end position has been a focal point throughout training camp, whether it was injury concerns with Trey Burton and Adam Shaheen or a position battle for what was potentially a fourth roster spot.
The Bears will indeed keep four tight ends on the roster in Burton, Shaheen, Ben Braunecker and Bradley Sowell, according to NBC Sports Chicago.
Undrafted rookies Dax Raymond, Ian Bunting, Jesper Horsted and Ellis Richardson were all waived.
Burton, Shaheen and Braunecker were all considered locks for the roster. The battle got interesting between Sowell, Raymond, Bunting and Horsted.
Burton gets the start in the “U” (move) position, with Braunecker backing him up. While Shaheen will occupy the “Y” (in-line) position, where Sowell will back him up.
Sowell converted from offensive tackle to tight end this offseason, thanks to Matt Nagy’s creativity. It was also a result of concern about depth behind Shaheen (“Y” position) and Sowell’s two-yard touchdown reception against the Rams.
The Bears could still add another tight end to the mix as players become available on the waiver wire or sign some to the practice squad.
