The Bears have 10 rookies on their 53-man roster. But several of them are inactive for the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field on Sunday.
The following rookies are inactive: receiver Marquess Wilson, cornerback C.J. Wilson, running back Michael Ford, defensive end David Bass and defensive tackle Zach Minter.
Veteran tight end Dante Rosario, who was recently acquired from the Dallas Cowboys, is also inactive. For Rosario, it’s just a matter of getting acclimated to the Bears’ offense.
“He’s spent a lot of time in meetings,” coach Marc Trestman said. “He hasn’t had a lot of work with the first or second groups, obviously. He’s spent most of the time just working on the scout teams. He’s been in endless meetings to try and get him caught up and put him in position where he can compete to be on the 46 at some time.”
Second-year guard James Brown was a surprise inactive. But center Taylor Boggs and offensive tackle Eben Britton have also practiced at guard.
The only Bengals’ inactive of note is starting left tackle Andrew Whitworth. He’s out with a knee injury and was previously listed as doubtful on Friday.
