Football season is a time of excitement and anticipation. Unfortunately the season hasn’t officially begun, but for some there is still a lot to look for. The Chicago Bears played their fourth of five preseason games this past weekend against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs. The Bears elected not to play their starters but intended to gameplan like it was the real deal.

The Bears went home with a 27-20 victory, but the pre-season storylines rarely involve the score. With the preseason’s end looming and the roster beginning to take shape, players on the bubble are fighting for the last few open spots on the 53-man roster.

Running Back Battle

The fight for the third string running back spot was fierce between veteran Benny Cunningham and second-year man Taquan Mizzell. Cunningham ran the ball for 22 yards on seven carries and a touchdown while having three receptions for an additional 29 yards. Mizzell managed only six yards on four carries and added two catches as well. Cunningham looked to take the job under his control. He ran between the tackles patiently and showed off his soft hands. Mizzell’s chances to make the roster dropped after struggling against a soft Chief’s defense.

Experience vs. versatility on the offensive line

A significant offensive line battle developed during the past few weeks. The Bears remain uncommitted to a starting five for week 1. Eric Kush has been given most first team reps so far, but second round pick James Daniels has worked his way into the starting conversation. Daniels versatility hasn’t gone unnoticed as he has gotten reps at center and left tackle. Kush has the edge right now, but the Bears spent a second round pick on Daniels for a reason.

White returns from injury yet again

Most Bears fans will remember the 2015 draft when the Bears spent their first-round pick on wide receiver Kevin White. Since being drafted White has only played in five games. The Bears elected not to pick up the fifth-year option on his rookie deal, making him a free agent at the end of the year. White will be playing for a contract, but seventh-round pick Javon Wims will not make it easy. Wims blew up in the game against the Chiefs going for 114 yards and an impressive touchdown grab. Wims and White will be fighting for a spot on the roster as well as sharing playing time.

With one more preseason game to go, the Bears coaches will be watching intensely, trying to cut down to the final roster. Although most positions are already filled, there are still plenty of position battles to keep an eye on. The final preseason game against the Bills will be 7 p.m. Aug. 30 at Soldier Field in Chicago on CBS 23 Rockford and FOX 32 Chicago.