NFC North Rundown: Desmond Trufant among one of the division’s surprising final cuts

As Tuesday afternoon came to a close, a number of pink slips were handed out across the NFC North, including in Green Bay where preseason phenoms Kurt Benkert and Kabion Ento were among the team’s biggest surprises.

Many transactions will be made in the coming days as teams search the waiver wire to finalize their 53-man rosters ahead of opening week. However, a few interesting cuts and a few unfortunate injuries will shape those rosters within the division.

Today’s rundown gives the scoop on those latest storylines, including Irv Smith’s injury in Minnesota and Tyrell Crosby and Desmond Trufant’s releases in Detroit and Chicago, respectively.

Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears announce their 2021 53-man roster

Here is the latest roster for the Green Bay Packers’ border rival to the south, which includes a PUP designation for Tarik Cohen.

Bears release Desmond Trufant

Although he struggled to separate from a very inexperienced cornerback room, the veteran Trufant, added on a one-year deal this offseason, was an eye-opening cut.

5 takeaways from the Bears offense this preseason

Although Justin Fields has justified his draft standing this preseason, the Bears’ passing attack as a whole remains a mystery without their top receivers on the field.

Detroit Lions

Lions cut Tavai, both kickers to get roster down to 53-man limit

The former second-round linebacker was released as one of the more notable moves on cut day, but Detroit will have more transactions to make this week, particularly at tight end.

Lions cut nine players, including Mike Ford and Tyrell Crosby

Detroit began its path toward the 53-man roster with a few initial cuts prior to Tuesday, including a surprise release of tackle Tyrell Crosby.

Lions cut wide receiver Breshad Perriman after guaranteeing $2M on contract

Last week’s rumor was not just hearsay. Detroit released one of its notable offseason signings on offense.

Minnesota Vikings

Vikings cut Griffen, Abdullah, Dozier as 53-man roster is set

Minnesota’s athletically-gifted, fifth-round tight end Zach Davidson was one of the team’s final cuts. But so were Ameer Abdullah and the recently-acquired Everson Griffen.

Source: Minnesota Vikings, safety Harrison Smith agree to 4-year, $64 million extension

The future is no longer murky for Smith and the Vikings, who came to an agreement prior to the beginning of the standout’s contract year.

Vikings acquiring TE Chris Herndon from Jets in trade following Irv Smith Jr.’s knee injury

A meniscus injury will sideline one of the team’s expected breakout players for an undisclosed amount of time. The Vikings made a move to replace him quickly on Tuesday.