One man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity. That is the stark reality of the NFL. Nothing terrifies a player more than injuries because they know there is a chance somebody can step in and steal their job. Andy Dalton found that out last year. He knew the only way he could keep the quarterback job was not to get hurt. Then he injured his knee in the second game. Justin Fields stepped in, and that was pretty much it.
A similar situation might be developing at Chicago Bears training camp, this time at wide receiver. When things began, there was a clear hierarchy in place. Darnell Mooney sat at the top of the depth chart with Byron Pringle, Velus Jones, and trade acquisition N’Keal Harry behind him. Two weeks into practice, things have taken a drastic shift. First was the unexpected rise of Equanimeous St. Brown. The former Packers receiver felt like a depth signing when it happened. Now he is getting more and more reps with the first-team offense.
Then the injuries struck.
Pringle went down with a quad ailment, Jones suffered an undisclosed issue, and Harry suffered a high ankle sprain. There is a strong likelihood that both Pringle and Harry could be out at least until the regular season opener. That opens a glaring hole at the receiver position. Many speculate the Bears will have to add another body to the mix soon. While that is true, it also opens up a big opportunity for others already on the roster to take advantage of extra snaps. By the sound of things, at least one of them is doing that, according to Josh Schrock of NBC Sports Chicago.
“On third-and-10, Fields ripped a laser over the middle to Kmet for a gain of 23, setting up a first-and-10 at the opposing 47.
After once again failing to connect with Mooney on first down, the Bears’ offense had just 17 seconds to get into field goal range. Fields got good protection in the pocket and delivered a strike to Tajae Sharpe for a gain of 9 to the 38.”
That chemistry wasn’t isolated to one practice. A day later, Fields and Sharpe found each other again twice in the end zone.
Subscribe to the BFR podcast and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
“Two plays later, Fields rolled to his right and zipped a pass to Tajae Sharpe at the pylon for another score.”
Best throw of the day came from Justin Fields in RZ hitting Tajae Sharpe in corner of end zone. Nice route, really good throw.
Nathan Peterman had two really good throws down the field today in team drills. #Bears
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) August 7, 2022
This is a development that cannot go unnoticed.
Sharpe showed promise early in his career with the Tennessee Titans but never ascended. Part of that can be blamed on a season-ending foot injury in 2017, and then coaching changes after that. It is a trap many players fall into. Now he’s trying to prove he can play in this league if given a chance. Those injuries to Harry and Pringle may have been the break he needed.
Justin Fields clearly has a preference at wide receiver.
It likely isn’t a coincidence he and Sharpe have begun to connect. Fields likes receivers that are sharp route runners. It’s been that way since his days at Ohio State when he and Chris Olave tore defenses up. The young QB trusts guys he knows will be in the right spot at the right time, regardless of size or speed. It is true of Mooney, it is true of St. Brown, and it is true of Sharpe. While not the biggest or fastest, he’s always been known for running good routes.
The Bears’ first preseason game is a week away. That is enough time for the 27-year-old to strengthen his connection with Justin Fields. If he can back it up with some nice plays in actual games, then the pecking order at wide receiver may undergo a significant shift. While one must feel sorry for Harry after working so hard to get another chance away from New England, this is the nature of the sport. Always the next man up.
Speaking of receivers, what’s going on with Daz Newsome? He broke his collar bone in camp last year, and only played in their last game, so he is essentially a rookie. If he can’t elevate his game, with such a great opportunity, then he should not be taking up a roster spot. Replace him with Will Fuller
There are always players who just need a chance to prove what they can do, and this is just one example of a player who is getting this chance. Sharpe came into the league amid high expectations and saw them dwindle thru a series of events outside of his immediate control. Either way, the bears still have Mooney, Kmet, and a couple of good pass catching RB’s, they are not without weapons, just without media darling weapons.