Bears WR Velus Jones Jr. seen practicing with the RBs during Tuesday's practice to further boost his roster chances
We've reached the point in training camp where teams around the league are trying out roster bubble players at different positions to see if they can boost their value heading into the preseason.That's exactly what the Chicago Bears aimed to do during Tuesday's training camp session with a player the team already had big plans […]
We've reached the point in training camp where teams around the league are trying out roster bubble players at different positions to see if they can boost their value heading into the preseason.
That's exactly what the Chicago Bears aimed to do during Tuesday's training camp session with a player the team already had big plans for this season.
According to multiple reporters at Halas Hall, Bears wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. saw a positional change today, working out with the running backs. During team drills, Jones appeared at running back with the second-team offense and even took a handoff on the first play, per Nicholas Moreano.
"He was welcome to that," Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said after practice. "We feel that because of the versatility of the talent and the skill sets, that he offers our offense another way to have a weapon. Hopefully that grows into something. That's Shane [Waldron] and the offensive staff just being creative and being able to maximize our talents on our roster."
This decision to try out Jones at running back during today's practice could work out well for both sides in the really short-term and long-term if he sticks there.
The Bears have had some injuries at the position with Travis Homer and Ian Wheeler each missing time during camp and already had to sign Demetric Felton to the room last week. The team also has a lot of depth wide receivers on the roster who are looking to make the final cuts and having Jones mix in with the running backs could give those players more opportunities to make plays in front of the coaching staff.
Heading into the second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills this weekend, Jones might be in line to get some work this time around after sitting out last Thursday against the Texans. If the team really wants to see how he looks at running back, perhaps he could see some carries on Saturday.
During his short career with the Bears, Jones has struggled to consistently produce as a receiver and has had some issues in the past with his ball skills. However, his speed and toughness has made him a solid weapon to have around on the team. The Bears coaches already plan to use Jones as the primary kick returner under the new kickoff rules and are really excited to see what he can do there.
Those same skills could easily be transferred into the backfield and Jones already has some prior experience running the ball. Jones has logged 17 carries in his career for 154 yards (9.1 yards per carry) and one touchdown. So far this offseason, Jones has already shown improvement making downfield plays as a receiver and moving to this new position will only boost his already strong chances of making the 53-man roster.
Bears special teams coordinator reveals who will initially serve as the main returner under the new kickoff rules
He’ll have his chance to stay on the roster.
