Bears trim roster and waive NIU's Lynch

The Bears have waived running back Jordan Lynch, the former NIU quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist, team officials announced Friday afternoon.

Lynch could be claimed by another team or return to the Bears as a member of their 10-man practice squad, which can be formed starting at noon on Sunday.

The Bears also cut ties with four NFL veterans: wide receiver Armanti Edwards; tight end Jeron Mastrud; tackle Dennis Roland; and offensive lineman Robert Turner. The Bears roster now stands at 70.

The move to release Lynch was not a surprise considering he didn't play until well into the fourth quarter in Thursday night's preseason finale. He rushed for 18 yards on 6 carries. Lynch's only other stats came in the preseason opener, when he picked up 24 yards on 7 carries.

Lynch rushed for an NCAA quarterback-record 1,920 yards last season and led the Huskies to a 24-4 record over the previous two seasons. But he seemed resigned to his fate earlier in the week when he spoke of a desire to contribute as a potential member of the Bears' practice squad.

"The more reps I can get, the better I get," the 6-foot, 210-pound Lynch said. "I feel like being on a practice squad, there are so many things I can do. I can play quarterback, I can play running back, I can split out and play receiver and just give the Bears any chance to get a better look (at their opponent) for that week."

Although he was the most productive running quarterback in NCAA history, Lynch would be considered a project by the Bears or any NFL team because he had never played running back before he was signed as an undrafted free agent. Lynch had no experience blocking in pass protection and had not played special teams in college, although he worked overtime to make up for his lack of experience.

"It's a tough for him to make the transition," Bears coach Marc Trestman said. "I think he has made improvements. He works at everything, he works at it hard."

• Bob LeGere will have more on the Bears roster decisions later today. Follow him on Twitter @BobLeGere.