Forgotten Bears CFL Signing Tre Roberson Re-emerged Against Miami

Usually, the Canadian Football League isn't seen as a hotbed for potential NFL prospects. Quite the opposite. It often has NFL rejects fleeing to it instead. However, on occasion, there are some players who stand out up north enough to earn opportunities in the U.S. The most famous to fans today would be Cameron Wake, the former star Miami Dolphins pass rusher. There was plenty of intrigue last year when Tre Roberson became available. The cornerback was an instant star for the Calgary Stampeders, helping them to win the Grey Cup championship in 2018. A year later he secured seven interceptions for their defense, enough to garner significant NFL attention. Several teams made pitches to sign him, but in the end, it was the Bears who won out. As a former Illinois State player, it was apparent he wanted to go somewhere close to home.

There was a lot of positive buzz around him.

Sadly, he never got the chance to showcase his skills. Roberson suffered a foot injury that knocked him out for the 2020 season. By the time training camp arrived this year, the cornerback position was in a state of flux. New defensive coordinator Sean Desai wasn't likely to hand him anything. So the 28-year old would have to stand out. Recent practice reports suggest he was doing just that.

The big challenge would be whether he could carry that into a game situation. After watching Saturday's action against the Miami Dolphins? Roberson succeeded. While he didn't produce a turnover, the cornerback was one of the most active players on the field for the Bears defense. It started in the 3rd quarter where he made a great tackle at the line of scrimmage to set up 3rd and 6. The Dolphins had to punt after an incomplete pass on the next play. [video width="834" height="462" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Tre-Roberson-tackle2021_08_14_20_44_57.mp4"][/video]

Tre Roberson didn't limit his nice plays to one phase either

Early in the 4th quarter, he was on the punt coverage team and made the tackle to limit Miami for a short return. Unfortunately, a penalty overshadowed the play but it was a nice bit of coverage by somebody who hasn't played it a lot. [video width="830" height="462" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Tre-Roberson-special-teams2021_08_14_20_51_47.mp4"][/video] Cornerbacks though get paid to cover receivers. Can Roberson do that? Indeed he can. He had two pass breakups on the afternoon. One which proved pretty important. Trailing 20-13, the Dolphins faced 4th and 6 from their 44-yard line. Their QB was flushed from the pocket by Sam Kamara and forced to make a desperate heave for the 1st down. Tre Roberson was in perfect position and knocked the ball away, essentially sealing the victory for the Bears. [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Tre-Roberson-coverage.mp4"][/video]

It was a quality afternoon of football.

Roberson still has work to do in order to ensure himself a roster spot. Even so, it's becoming apparent that he has the necessary tools to play at this level. It will be interesting to see if the Bears give him more opportunities. He is earning them. That much is certain. It will be exciting to see what develops as the next week unfolds.