Friday, April 19, 2024

Chicago Bears WR Injuries Just Hit Crisis Mode. Here Are Some Solutions

-

The Chicago Bears had questions about their wide receiver room before training camp began. Several experts called it the worst in the entire NFL. The last thing the group could afford was a rash of injuries. Sadly, as is often the case with this team, that is precisely what happened. It started last week when Byron Pringle suffered a quad strain that may knock him out until the season opener. N’Keal Harry soon followed with a high ankle sprain. Those require 4-8 weeks of recovery time. Velus Jones Jr. and Dante Pettis have also missed multiple practices with an undisclosed ailment.

Things couldn’t get much worse, right? Never ask that question. Veteran receiver David Moore came down awkwardly while jumping for a pass during 1-on-1 drills at Family Fest at Soldier Field. He crumpled to the ground, grabbing his right knee. Never a good sign. A few moments later, the trainers carted him off the field. Details are forthcoming, but it’s a fair assumption that Moore will miss considerable time.

Subscribe to the BFR podcast and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.

This is a brutal situation for Justin Fields. Two of his top three projected weapons are injured, while three other depth pieces have joined them. It continues to show in passing drills where the young quarterback struggles to find guys open outside Mooney. GM Ryan Poles has tried to stay patient, hoping to see somebody step up with new opportunities. However, it’s getting to a point where the team needs bodies.

Here are some names the Chicago Bears can look to for help.

Emmanuel Sanders

The 35-year-old is the most accomplished name left on the market. While not in his prime anymore, he’s still a sharp route runner who knows how to find open space. He had 626 yards and four touchdowns on 72 targets last season. The problem is whether he’d be interested in joining the Bears. Every indication in recent years says Sanders is focused on joining teams he thinks can contend for a Super Bowl. Chicago isn’t in such a position.

Adam Humphries

A former undrafted free agent in Tampa Bay, Humphries has carved out a solid career with 3,314 yards and 13 touchdowns over 96 career games. Most of that time was spent with average to below-average quarterbacks like Jameis Winston, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Ryan Tannehill, and Taylor Heinicke. He is still only 29 years old. He didn’t miss a game last season after two injury-marred years in 2019 and 2020. If the Chicago Bears want cheap, reliable depth, they could do worse.

T.Y. Hilton

Matt Eberflus spent four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. So he is well acquainted with the former Pro Bowler. Injuries and erratic quarterback play marred the last three, though. However, he’s still one of the better deep threats in the NFL. Hilton averaged a healthy 14.4 yards per reception last year. He would make a great fit with Fields. The question is whether Poles would be willing to take the gamble. He’s already shown an unwillingness to take risks on older players with mounting health issues.

Cole Beasley

People will have plenty to say about the person. Beasley’s political views make him a controversial figure these days. Still, it’s impossible to deny he is one of the most effective slot receivers in the NFL. Five of his last six seasons saw him top at least 670 yards receiving. He’s been a security blanket for guys like Dak Prescott and Josh Allen, both of whom boast similar playing styles to Fields. He is 33 years old, but his health track record is at least reliable.

14 COMMENTS

Notify of
14 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
JOHN P LOCKREY
JOHN P LOCKREY
Aug 11, 2022 11:22 am

The socialist cancel culture strikes again. Anyone who dares disagree with the leftist lies is eliminated. This has always happened….in China. Russia. Venezuela. North Korea….and now the Democrats have joined their comrades. Current unreported stats shows over hundreds of thousands have died from the vaccine. Bill Gates announced that “his view” of the world would require a reduction of the world population by 15%. Suddenly Covid is released 30 days after he hosts a conference in New York about the upcoming coronavirus, he makes a fortune selling a vaccine and between the pandemic and subsequan vaccine has killed miilions of… Read more »

FootballAtArlington
FootballAtArlington
Aug 11, 2022 12:57 am

What’s with the “political views”? Are you talking about getting the experimental death shots? That’s not political. That’s “my body, my choice”. Remember all that?

Liberals are really not very smart.

Thomas J Cameron
Thomas J Cameron
Aug 10, 2022 10:15 am

“Solutions” Clearly a misstatement! A plug in the dyke is what any of them amount to. Let’s keep perspective right and remember to think short term (1 Year likely) instead of signing stop-gap players to fill a necessity.

Gator Joe
Aug 10, 2022 7:45 am

Getting back to the subject of WRs, calling any of these washed up guys a “solution” is just crazy. The solution is to see who gets cut from KC or someplace where they throw the ball.

Unvaxxed, Unmasked, Unbroken
Unvaxxed, Unmasked, Unbroken
Aug 10, 2022 5:55 am

I’m not vaxxed because it doesn’t work. You are literally brainwashed beyond saving if you are unaware of that by now.

Chicago SportsNEWS
Recommended for you

14
0
Give us your thoughts.x
()
x