Chicago Bears fans got a tantalizing glimpse of Velus Jones during the preseason when he returned a punt 48 yards against the Seahawks in Seattle. He vanished after that, failing to appear again. It was later revealed that he’d been nursing a hamstring injury. The severity caused him to miss the preseason finale and the first two regular season games against San Francisco and Green Bay. Hope remains high that he might be able to give it a go against the Houston Texans on Sunday.
That doesn’t appear to be the case. The Friday injury report listed Jones as doubtful for the game, giving him an unlikely chance to play. However, there was a silver lining. The report showed Jones did practice for the second day in a row. That marks the first time he’s done that since August. It means that though he likely won’t play this weekend, he’s on track to make his official debut in Week 4 against the New York Giants. Jones stated to Sean Hammond of Shaw Local that he’s optimistic about where things are headed.
“I’ve been praying on it and I feel close,” Jones said. “Today was a good day, running and stuff like that. Just looking at everything one day at a time.”
#Bears Friday Injury Report: pic.twitter.com/HsWmqbnPFO
— Bears Communications (@BearsPR) September 23, 2022
Velus Jones is a dimension the Bears are missing.
One of the main reasons GM Ryan Poles drafted him was his speed and versatility. He can line up all over the field and is dangerous with the ball in his hands. The Bears don’t have anybody like him, which is partly why their offense has struggled to get anything going in the passing game. Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy could use him in various formations, similar to a Deebo Samuel or Percy Harvin. Such players are difficult to defend.
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Fans may have to wait another week, but Velus Jones is getting close. The Bears want him at 100% when the green light is given. Hamstring injuries are tricky. One wrong move and they can linger for an entire season. His time is coming. If the Bears can get past Houston to 2-1, their offense could return to full strength for a big road game against what appears to be an early NFC rival for the wild card playoff chase.
I just wish we had taken other needs or atleast a better WR option !
All it takes to make a passing game effective is for one receiver to draw all the attention away from other receivers. Velus could do that and in fact he looks a lot like Tyreek Hill.
Did I read that incorrectly, did you mention the Bears as a possible playoff team? Ya. That’s what they need, an ass kicking in a wild card game and a mid round draft pick. I thought the Bears were rebuilding? I guess Poles overturned 3/4 of the roster and signed nobody to win now. “Bold strategy Cotton. I hope it pays off for them”
Hey Russ, you do realize our offensive line leads the league in average time to throw…..and both Braxton Jones and Larry Borom are top 10 in Pass blocking win rate. Not the lines fault
Feels like another Kevin White. It’s your rookie year and you can’t get on the field. Nothing is more important then availability.