Bears cuts: Ego Ferguson, Marc Mariani on final list

The Bears have trimmed their roster to 53 players Saturday. A list of those cut:

Reserve/PUP list:

OLB Pernell McPhee: Offseason knee surgery and ongoing issues left him unable to practice with teammates in offseason program or preseason. By rule, he can’t return until after Week 6.

WR Marquess Wilson: Broke his foot in offseason practice. Like McPhee, he remains with the team.

Terminated contracts

WR/KR Marc Mariani : This move was surprising. Mariani didn’t play in the fourth preseason game in Cleveland, which was widely considered a strong sign that he made the team. But Cam Meredith, a younger and bigger option, stood out against the Browns and Chiefs.

RB Jacquizz Rodgers : The emergence of younger player on special teams made Rodgers expendable. Rookie Jordan Howard also excelled in the preseason.

TE Rob Housler : The veteran had some bright moments in the preseason as a receiver, but the Bears placed an emphasis on blocking. They have their pass catcher in Zach Miller.

TE Tony Moeaki : See Housler.

G Shelley Smith: The seven-year veteran joined the Bears on Aug. 13.

OT Garry Williams: Williams had a brief look with the first-team offense when Bobby Massie didn’t participate in a recent practice.

Waived/injured

DE Ego Ferguson: Disappointing end for the Bears’ second-round pick in 2014. He missed most of last season to injury. He also had a PED suspension.

OLB Danny Mason: Hurt his knee Thursday in Cleveland.

Waived:

WR Daniel Braverman : The 2015 seventh-round pick is considered a practice-squad candidate. But that’s if he clears waivers. Braverman has stood out more in practices than in preseason games. He also struggled at returner during the exhibition games.

OL Jason Weaver : The reserve offensive lineman spent last season on injured reserve. He’s played guard and tackle with the Bears. Weaver is a practice-squad candidate.

WR B.J. Daniels : The former college quarterback was returning kickoffs and punts. But he was a longshot to stick with the Bears, who have a logjam at receiver.

DT Terry Williams : The Bears’ defensive front starts with Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman, Mitch Unrein and rookie Jonathan Bullard. Williams was signed to the Bears’ practice squad last year.

CB De’Vante Bausby: Played well in trying to replace injured starters Tracy Porter, Kyle Fuller and Bryce Callahan.

TE Ben Braunecker: An ankle injury hindered Braunecker’s development. He remains a practice-squad candidate. The Bears have a clear need at tight end.

CB Taveze Calhoun: Was part of competition to replace vets.

QB David Fales: Beating out Brian Hoyer for the backup spot always was unlikely. Connor Shaw’s emergence also spelled the end for Fales, who didn’t play in preseason games against the Patriots and Chiefs.

C Khaled Holmes: Lost out to center Cornelius Edison.

CB Kevin Peterson: The undrafted rookie was initially waived to make room CB K’Waun Williams, who claimed off waivers. But he re-signed after Williams failed his physical.

LS Patrick Scales: Lost a battle to former Broncos snapper Aaron Brewer.

ILB John Timu: A practice-squad candidate, Timu was beat out by Jonathan Anderson for a roster spot. Fourth-round pick Nick Kwiatkoski also returned from his pulled hamstring.