The Chicago Bears made 22 roster moves on Saturday, trimming their roster to the NFL-mandated 53 players. Here's a closer look at the final cuts:
Most significant move: Putting Pernell McPhee on the physically unable to perform list. The Bears initially downplayed the extent of McPhee's knee issues following offseason surgery, but it became apparent in the later stages of camp McPhee would not be ready for Week 1. McPhee now has six weeks to rest the balky knee that bothered him most of last season. Set to count $7.675 million against the cap, McPhee still has to be a difference-maker on defense. The Bears expect McPhee to be an impactful player over the final 12 games, if he ready by late October.
Most surprising move: Waiving veteran receiver Marc Mariani. He's not a flashy guy, but Mariani is a trusted and reliable player. By all appearances, Mariani enjoyed another solid camp. In the end, though, the Bears went in a different direction and kept reserve wideouts Cameron Meredith and Deonte Thompson. Meredith and Thompson are more athletic. I will argue, however, Mariani is the most consistent. Regardless of my personal view, Mariani must hope he put enough on tape to find another job in the league. He'll probably generate interest from teams looking for help at slot receiver.
Rookie class: Seventh-round pick Daniel Braverman had several positive moments on the practice field, but he looked indecisive on special teams. The third phase is what often determines the bottom of the 53-man roster, and Braverman never thrived as a return man. Braverman appears destined for the practice squad, if he clears waivers. The same holds true for undrafted Harvard tight end Ben Braunecker. Fourth-round pick Nick Kwiatkoski played well in his only preseason action against the Browns, and stuck on the 53, despite sitting much of camp because of a strained hamstring.
DJ Khaled: The Bears' decision to release veteran center Khaled Holmes is a vote of confidence for Cornelius Edison, who spent a chunk of the preseason working with the starters. In a perfect world, Edison is on the bench the whole season. The Bears' plan is for right guard Kyle Long to play in Week 1, a move that would put veteran Ted Larsen back at center. But it's impossible to know how Long's injured shoulder will react to live contact, meaning Edison might still play a role on the offensive line before the year ends.
Bears moves: Receiver B.J. Daniels, cornerback Kevin Peterson, offensive lineman Khaled Holmes, offensive lineman Garry Williams, defensive lineman Terry Williams, offensive lineman Shelley Smith, linebacker Danny Mason (waived injured), receiver Daniel Braverman, long snapper Patrick Scales, offensive lineman Jason Weaver, tight end Tony Moeaki, receiver Marc Mariani, running back Jacquizz Rodgers, linebacker John Timu, tight end Ben Braunecker, cornerback DeVante Bausby, tight end Rob Housler, quarterback David Fales, DL Ego Ferguson (waived/injured), cornerback Taveze Calhoun, Pernell McPhee (PUP) and Marquess Wilson (PUP).