Bears defensive coordinator Eric Washington stepped to the podium on Wednesday, prepared with an opening statement. After some pleasantries, he quickly set the tone with this:

“Five weeks went by fast.”

That’s roughly the length of time between when the Bears reported to training camp and Thursday’s exhibition finale.

“It seems like yesterday we were just walking in here and going through all the administrative things and just getting ready to approach camp,” Washington said. “And, now here we are.”

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We’re at the end of a long preseason schedule, ever so close to a final contest many consider a throwaway game. Washington was quick to contest that notion, stating his respect and appreciation for those Bears about to play Thursday at Kansas City. They may have a puncher’s chance to make the 53-man roster or earn a role on it. They may essentially have none.

Respect for everyone’s effort, either way, was important for Washington to give.

“There’s been a lot of growth. There’s been tremendous competition, and players have taken a lot of pride in the way we’ve competed, the way we’ve debriefed on what we’ve done during ball games,” he said. “… So, we’re looking forward to going over there and wrapping up the preseason and watching the people who are going to be competing for positions on this team, roster positions, to do their absolute best.”

There won’t be many starters or key role players in action Thursday night. Head coach Matt Eberflus made that clear in a Tuesday press conference. Those playing, however, will try to make a final impression on the coaches and personnel staff, stating why they should make the 53-man roster. Washington stated those roster decisions are based on production and projection over the course of camp, but a solid final bow can’t hurt a contender’s chances.

All that said, let’s take a look at a few things in this preseason contest against the Chiefs.

1.  Defensive end production

Montez Sweat and DeMarcus Walker seem set to start at defensive end as the position group is currently constructed, so it’s likely both will watch Thursday’s game in sweats. Their reserves could be impacted by Thursday’s events, with pass rushers fighting for roles and roster spots.

Rookie Austin Booker has flashed real potential this preseason — he could fare better as he develops and gains strength – and seems likely to play a role in the regular season. Washington said Daniel Hardy has stood out and been extremely active. That’s a plus for him. Dominque Robinson is also a factor here. Jacob Martin might be, though he has been hurt most of camp. Fleshing out this position group is one thing. Convincing GM Ryan Poles he doesn’t need to add to it is another. This is a position group that could be in some flux depending on what happens from here on out. These guys aren’t just competing against each other. They’re also trying to keep the Bears from looking elsewhere for an upgrade.  

2. Who gets the final RB spot (if there is one)?

Let’s steer into a Hard Knocks storyline for a second and look at the back end of the running back depth chart. We can all agree that D’Andre Swift, Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson are locked onto the roster and into the rushing rotation. Let’s also assume Khari Blasingame makes it as a fullback/special teams player. Then, is it Velus Jones or Ian Wheeler, as the HBO show suggests? We always have to take production of lesser units against lesser units in stride, but performance on Thursday could play a factor in whether the Bears choose to keep another running back. Even more important for players on the bubble: special teams performance. Watch how Wheeler and Jones do in the kicking game.

3. Who will return punts?

Honestly, that’s anyone’s guess. It could be Dante Pettis. It could be DeAndre Carter. It could be Josh Blackwell. Anyone notice that we just listed three guys closer to, though maybe not on, the bubble? All three of those players could make the roster. Only a selection of them could.

But, if you’re on the back end of the depth chart, versatility reigns supreme. Helping on special teams is essential down on the depth chart. Playing a vital role in the kicking game could push someone right over the top and lock up a roster spot.

Pay close attention to which players take punt return reps, when they take them and how they do. Those elements could be a deciding factor in roster selection, which is often less about position battles and more about role fulfillment and overall team construction.

4. A cameo for Kiran Amegadjie?

Third-round offensive lineman Kiran Amegadjie returned to practice this week for the first time this camp, after being activated off the NFI list. He suffered a quadriceps injury at Yale and has been out since then, so there’s lots of work left to prepare for the NFL life. While he hasn’t been active long, game action could help expedite Amegadjie’s progress towards a return to product. Assuming, of course, he’s physically ready for it. It could also be way too early, leaving the Bears with an interesting decision regarding his roster designation.

5. Activity from the Bears training staff

The ultimate goal of every NFL player and team is to emerge from the preseason: A. prepared and B. healthy. Neither organization nor charge wants to have injuries so close to cut-down day, which can muddle roster construction and employment status. These are all, for the most part, hard-working individuals trying to realize a dream, and, as you’ll hear me often say, injuries suck.

The Bears want to emerge from this final stretch injury free, so all can earn roster spots purely on merit.

Follow Bears Insider Scott Bair on X @ScottBairNFL.