There are a few key storylines to watch when the Chicago Bears face off against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday evening. While the outcome of these preseason contests doesn't really matter, they provide crucial insight for front offices making tough roster decisions next week. The coaching staff probably has an idea of how their roster will look in two weeks, but these next two exhibition games will help them split hairs on the tough decisions.Chicago still has a lot of questions to answer ahead of cutting down to their final 53-man roster. While a few of them, like whether they're going to keep Kaden Davis at WR6, are slightly less crucial, others will have a major impact on gameday.What are the most important questions facing the Chicago Bears over the final two preseason contests?Who starts at left tackle?Jul 31, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive tackle Braxton Jones (70) walks on the field during Training Camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe looming left tackle decision has been the biggest question facing the Bears ever since Garrett Bradbury made quick work of the center competition. According to the Bears' official depth chart, it's now a four-man race for the starting left tackle job. However, with them giving Theo Benedet (previously only considered the backup right tackle and swing option) snaps on the left side this week, maybe it's now a five-man competition? That's a clear indication that they didn't like what they saw from both Jedrick Wills Jr. and Kiran Amegadjie last week, and Ben Johnson didn't shy away from voicing his disappointment in the lack of clarity at the position this week.You know what they say.. when you have five starting left tackles, you probably don't have a good one. While Ozzy Trapilo is innocent of that quip, none of the other four are. Braxton Jones hasn't run away with the job like he was expected to. Wills and Amegadjie are both on VERY thin ice. Benedet still has the best shot to make the roster as the swing, but he reportedly had a rough outing in the joint practice against Cincinnati on Thursday. In the end, Jones will probably start the season, but he's only the placeholder until Trapilo is ready to rejoin the lineup.Are they happy enough with their RB depth to not target the position on the waiver wire?Aug 5, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Salvon Ahmed (36) and running back Roschon Johnson (23) run on the field during training camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe running back position is one the Bears could be watching closely on the waiver wire next week. That wouldn't be the case with a fully healthy Kyle Monangai, but that's the world they're living in now. You know his status (and their current running back depth) might be keeping running back coach Eric Studesville up at night.To their credit, Salvon Ahmed and Roschon Johnson both had solid performances against the Browns last week. Ahmed especially looked explosive every time he got the ball in his hands. He made the play of the game when he weaved through traffic and took a screen pass 49 yards to the house. He stands a strong chance of making the final roster if he keeps the positive momentum going over the final two weeks of preseason.However, the coaching staff might not feel like they can fully rely on Ahmed, either. The 27-year-old has dealt with a litany of injuries since joining the league as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He's never played more than 12 games in a season. Even with him playing well, they could look to replace Johnson if he fails to build on last week's performance. He'll need to bring his A-game to stake a claim on a roster spot.How does the defensive line depth shake out?Aug 15, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle James Lynch (97) blocks a pass against Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe battle for backup positions along the Bears' defensive line is undoubtedly one of the most interesting storylines to keep an eye on over the final two preseason contests. They boast healthy depth across their defensive front, and a few roster spots still seem to be completely up for grabs.Defensive tackle James Lynch had a menacing performance against Cleveland. Kentavius Street was also disruptive. Sixth-round selection Jordan van den Berg showed flashes as well, and he seems like a relative lock to make the roster after a buzzy training camp. All three players were seemingly battling for two spots (especially if they think the hybrid players in Dayo Odeyingbo and Shemar Turner can hold their own on the interior), and now it seems like the first two might be left battling for one. That is, if there are even enough roster spots available on the defensive line with Marcus Davenport added into the fold. It remains to be seen whether we'll see him in either of the next two preseason games, but he seems like a lock to make the roster based on what head coach Ben Johnson said about him yesterday. The question that bears asking is, whose job will he take? We will get some key insight into the defensive line room over the next two games.Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow