Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of email questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
I was a big fan of Cameron Meredith when he went to Illinois State and I was wondering how he's been performing in practice and whether he will make the 53-man roster.
Steve N.
Peoria, Illinois
Cameron Meredith has been doing very well in practice, making a lot of catches. I really can't remember the last time he dropped a pass. He has very good hands and uses his size well. It's hard to believe he didn't switch from quarterback to receiver until midway through his career at Illinois State. The playing time he got last season when the Bears' receiving corps was depleted by injuries was very valuable. In terms of his chances of making the final roster, I think special teams will be a key factor and as a result of that he may not be competing with another receiver for a spot but a reserve at a different position such as safety or linebacker.
I was intrigued when the Bears drafted linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski from West Virginia, but I have not heard about him or seen him in practice or preseason games. How has he been doing and do you think he can be a contributor on defense or special teams?
Tim S.
Springville, Iowa
Unfortunately, Nick Kwiatkoski has been sidelined since hurting his hamstring in the third practice of training camp in Bourbonnais. So the fourth-round pick hasn't had an opportunity to show what he can do. I'm not sure about a timetable for his return, but time is running out in the preseason. I think it would be difficult to put him on the 53-man roster without knowing virtually anything about him as an NFL player, but we'll have to wait and see what happens.
Has anyone emerged as a player the Bears can count on as a No. 2 tight end behind Zach Miller?
Art G.
Downers Grove, Illinois
Rob Housler has stepped up in recent days, especially in last Thursday night's preseason game against the Patriots. He caught a two-point conversion pass from Jay Cutler and turned a short Brian Hoyer throw into a 52-yard gain. Housler also made a couple of nice catches in practice Sunday. He has NFL experience; Housler was selected by the Cardinals in the third round of the 2011 draft and caught 45 passes for 417 yards in 2012 and 39 passes for 454 yards in 2013 with Arizona. With fellow tight end Tony Moeaki suffering a hamstring injury against the Patriots, Housler likely will get a good opportunity to cement a spot on the 53-man roster Saturday when the Bears host the Chiefs at Soldier Field.
