Bears trim five, set roster at 53

The Bears today cut their roster down to the league-mandated 53, waiving two healthy players and three injured ones.

Linebacker J.T. Thomas wideout Terrence Toliver were waived.

Offensive tackle Cory Brandon and defensive tackle Corvey Irvin were waived after reaching injury settlements. Safety Brandon Hardin was waived as an injured player.

Brandon will have ankle surgery Wednesday after suffering ligament damage in the preseason finale Thursday. Irvin has a sprained ankle. Hardin has a broken scapula.

Thomas played all 16 games for the Bears last year on special teams, recording three tackles. He was picked in the sixth round of the 2011 draft.

Toliver was signed as a waived free agent in January after spending time with the Texans and Lions the past two seasons.

The Bears will look to add eight practice-squad roster players, and could always claim those cut around the league.

The 53-man roster

Offense (24 players)

QB (2): Jay Cutler, Josh McCown

RB (3): Matt Forte, Michael Bush, Michael Ford

FB (1): Tony Fiammetta

WR (6): Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, Marquess Wilson, Earl Bennett, Joe Anderson, Eric Weems

TE (3): Martellus Bennett, Steve Maneri, Kyle Adams

C (2): Roberto Garza, Taylor Boggs

OG (3): Kyle Long, Matt Slauson, James Brown

OT (4): Jermon Bushrod, Jordan Mills, Jonathan Scott, Eben Britton

Defense (25 players)

DT (4): Henry Melton, Zach Minter, Nate Collins, Stephen Paea

DE (5): Julius Peppers, Shea McClellin, Cheta Ozougwu, Cornelius Washington, Corey Wootton

LB (6): Lance Briggs, Jon Bostic, James Anderson, DJ Williams, Blake Costanzo, Khaseem Greene

CB (6): Tim Jennings, Charles Tillman, Zack Bowman, Isaiah Frey, Sherrick McManis, CJ Wilson

S (4): Chris Conte, Major Wright, Craig Steltz, Anthony Walters

Specialists (4 players)

PK Robbie Gould

P Adam Podlesh

KR/PR Devin Hester

LS Patrick Mannelly