Offseason moves change WR gameday scenarios

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The trade for Brandon Marshall and the free-agent signings of Eric Weems and Devin Thomas have given the Bears one top-tier wide receiver and two others who have caught NFL passes, but whose chief value is on special teams.

It also have given them a crowded situation on game days when there are only so many players at any position who can be included on a game-day roster.

The Bears have generally gone with five wide receivers active, sometimes six. With a more balanced mindset under Mike Tice as coordinator, five is more likely. So, do the math:

Marshall, Thomas and Weems are active. So is Devin Hester. Thats four.

Earl Bennett. Thats five.

Roy Williams has not been expected back as a re-signing. And Johnny Knox will not be ready for at least the start of the season, very possibly all of it depending on the recovery curve for his back injury.

The flex factor right now is Dane Sanzenbacher, a nugget found in the pool of undrafted free agents. Sanzenbacher was active for every game and finished fourth in receptions with 27 and second in touchdown catches with three.

But with all the new kids coming in, playing time for Sanzenbacher may be difficult to find.

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