For some players, Thursday night’s final exhibition game against the Browns may represent the final time they will wear a Bears uniform. Johan Asiata, we barely knew ye.

For others on the proverbial bubble, the game could be the last chance to make a roster bid with final cuts looming Saturday. For the rest of us, including a handful of Bears starters who likely will have most of the night off, it brings a merciful end to the preseason.
General manager Jerry Angelo told the team’s Web site Wednesday that between three and five spots remain up in the air. Here is one projection, based on observation and a few educated guesses, of how the 53-man roster will take shape.
Quarterback
How many: 2.
Projected odd man out: Brett Basanez.
Prognosis: Basanez hasn’t looked enough like the quarterback who had gained the trust of the Panthers two summers ago to be their No. 2. The Bears might be tempted by a big name with experience who gets cut — Damon Huard doesn’t seem like that guy — and that could affect numbers at another position. But Jay Cutler’s backup, Caleb Hanie, has earned his roster spot for the second straight season.
Running back
How many: 4.
Projected odd man out: The tight end position.
Prognosis: Kevin Jones got a new deal but has been underwhelming backing up Matt Forte. Still, the decision could come down to either Garrett Wolfe or Adrian Peterson. Why not both? Coaches remain infatuated with Wolfe, and cutting Peterson, an asset on special teams and solid insurance in the backfield, wouldn’t go over well in the locker room.
Fullback
How many: 1.
Projected odd man out: Jason Davis.
Prognosis: Jason McKie just quietly does his job well enough to hold off all challengers.
Tight end
How many: 3.
Projected odd man out: Michael Gaines.
Prognosis: The tandem of Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen could combine for more than 100 receptions. Primary backup Kellen Davis has enjoyed a solid preseason and has emerged as a dependable special-teamer. The Bears signed Gaines as a free agent, but he struggled learning a new offense. He could be spared if the Bears opt to keep three running backs because he can line up in the backfield as a fullback.
Wide receiver
How many: 6.
Projected odd man out: Brandon Rideau.
Prognosis: This will be the toughest call, but from here it looks like Rashied Davis might get the nod because of his value on kick-coverage teams. Cutler has a more obvious rapport with Devin Aromashodu than with Rideau, whose luck has been rotten this time of the year. For instance, Rideau is a better receiver than rookies Juaquin Iglesias and Johnny Knox, but draft picks almost always get the edge. If the Bears think they could hide Knox on the practice squad, it would free up that spot for a veteran, but his rare speed and return ability make that too big a gamble.
Offensive line
How many: 8.
Projected odd men out: Cody Balogh, Lance Louis.
Prognosis: The Bears are as deep at tackle as they have been in years with Kevin Shaffer the swing tackle and starting guard Frank Omiyale able to move outside if necessary. Besides Shaffer, projected reserves Josh Beekman at guard and center and guard Dan Buenning both have starting experience. Louis showed good athleticism and the team would like to keep him on the practice squad to continue his development.
Defensive tackle
How many: 5.
Projected odd man out: Matt Toeaina.
Prognosis: Depth remains a concern with Dusty Dvoracek’s injury knocking him out again, giving Toeaina a shot. But if it comes down to Toeaina or rookie defensive end Henry Melton, Smith’s Bears traditionally favor the better overall athlete, which is Melton. The Bears also might keep an eye on discarded veterans (like Alfonso Boone?) to improve depth at a critical spot.
Defensive end
How many: 4.
Projected odd man out: Ervin Baldwin.
Prognosis: The versatility of Israel Idonije and Jarron Gilbert, who both can move outside in a pinch, makes it easier to keep Baldwin off the roster. Melton, an athlete good enough to return a kick in an exhibition, needs to get healthy or risk losing out to Toeaina.
Linebacker
How many: 7.
Projected odd men out: Marcus Freeman, Kevin Malast.
Prognosis: At the team’s deepest position, veterans with starting experience such as Nick Roach, Jamar Williams and Hunter Hillenmeyer figure to stay. That’s a good second team. Newly signed Darrell McClover is a commodity on special teams, and that gives him an edge over the rookie Freeman. Freeman could land on the practice squad despite a preseason that fell short of expectations.
Cornerback
How many: 6.
Projected odd man out: Trumaine McBride.
Prognosis: The signing of Rod Hood potentially affects McBride most, especially after a rough game against the Broncos. Rookie D.J. Moore has been disappointing but probably gets the edge over McBride because he’s a more recent draft pick. Charles Tillman, Nathan Vasher, Corey Graham and Zack Bowman are locks and it would be unlikely Hood, who can play nickel, was signed to be cut five days later.
Safety
How many: 4.
Projected odd man out: Craig Steltz.
Prognosis: Danieal Manning and Kevin Payne should be the starters with surprising rookie Al Afalava entering on nickel downs to play one safety as Manning moves to nickel back. That leaves the choice between the experienced Bullocks and Steltz, and how do you cut a guy with 49 NFL starts to keep someone with zero?
Specialists
How many: 3.
Projected odd man out: Risk.
Prognosis: If you’re looking for suspense, you won’t find it here. Kicker Robbie Gould, punter Brad Maynard and long snapper Patrick Mannelly are among the best specialist trios in the NFL.