Five players who are on the roster bubble heading into training camp for the Chicago Bears

The days continue to countdown until the Chicago Bears return to Halas Hall for the start of training camp, which then starts the countdown for some of the players currently listed on the team's roster.

Unfortunately, not everyone on the team can land a spot on the 53-man roster by the time September rolls around and the coaching staff will have to make some tough decisions over the next two months to slim the number down.

From what we've seen out of OTAs and minicamp, some players have already found themselves on thin ice before training camp even begins. Here are some specific players who should be considered on the roster bubble heading into camp.

OL Larry Borom

Larry Borom has proven to be a valuable backup on the offensive line for the Bears over the past three seasons, but his time in Chicago could soon come to an end.

The writing was already on the wall for this decision after the Bears drafted offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Amegadjie is expected to suit up for training camp after missing OTAs and minicamp while rehabbing from a previous quad injury and could push the spot as the swing tackle.

Borom's proven performance escalator also pushes his 2024 price tag up to over $3 million, significantly higher than Amegadjie and other backup tackles added to the team such as Matt Pryor and Jake Curhan. Borom having the highest price tag of the three could leave him off the roster if the level of play is even throughout.

WR Dante Pettis

The Bears gave Dante Pettis another crack at making the roster after an injury last offseason ended his hopes of playing in 2023. However, Pettis hasn't made the most of it and it's looking unlikely that he makes the cut, despite his special teams contribution potential.

Pettis missed time during minicamp and as soon as the team left for break, the front office added DeAndre Carter to the room for training camp. Carter offers a similar skillset that Pettis provides to the position and could make things even more difficult.

Who knows if the Bears even elect to keep either wide receiver on the roster. There's a strong possibility that only five names currently on the team make the cut by the time training camp comes to a close.

TEs Stephen Carlson, Tommy Sweeney, & Brenden Bates

The signing of veteran Marcedes Lewis signals the end of the battle for the third tight end spot in Shane Waldron's tight end heavy scheme . With Cole Kmet, Gerald Everett, and Lewis locks for the roster, there's simply not enough room to carry someone else.

Ideally, it'd be nice to have another spot available for a player like Stephen Carlson who can play on special teams but even that seems to be unlikely.

Even still, one, or maybe two, of these three tight ends buried on the depth chart will still remain on the team as practice squad players heading into the season. Carlson and UDFA Brenden Bates offer the most value just based on age and upside alone.

QB Austin Reed

The idea of having another undrafted free agent quarterback make the team was fun to consider, but was never feasible based on the current state of the room. Tyson Bagent seems to be locked in as the backup behind Caleb Williams going into camp and veteran Brett Rypien offers the most value to Williams' development and as the emergency third quarterback.

For those wanting to see a more experienced quarterback join the room before the season starts, it's time to move on. The Bears quarterback room is set and the team seems to be willing to carry these three arms on the roster. As for the experienced voice in Williams ear, offensive assistant Ryan Griffin is best suited for the job after spending time behind who NFL legends during his playing career in the NFL.

Reed will still be an exciting arm who will stick around and continue to develop in Chicago on the practice squad . He's got great arm strength and athleticism that's too good to fully let walk out the door.

DE Khalid Kareem

While everyone is holding out hope that the Bears will add another pass rusher to the mix before the team returns to practice at Halas Hall, things still look grim for Khalid Kareem whether an addition is made or not.

Kareem is buried on the roster at the position behind fifth-round rookie Austin Booker, surprise signee Jake Martin , and former fifth-round pick Dominique Robinson. Not to mention the two starting edge rushers, Montez Sweat and DeMarcus Walker.

Kareem had a disappointing year with the Bears in 2023 after being claimed by the team in August and then forced to the practice squad due to a hip injury. He's still be eager to find his footing with his third team after being drafted in the fifth-round of the 2020 draft but landing back on the practice squad seems like the only option.

Related: Four players who have the most to prove at Chicago Bears' training camp in order to play a big role in 2024