The next-man-up philosophy is anticipated to offer Chicago Bears rookie Velus Jones Jr. one other shot.
The third-round draft decide has been inactive for the final two video games, a wholesome scratch for a group that chosen the huge receiver with the concept he could be a weapon on offense and particular groups. While younger gamers have amassed a whole lot of taking part in time at many positions, Jones’ probabilities have been fewer and lately additional between.
The Bears positioned operating again Khalil Herbert on injured reserve Tuesday with a hip concern, that means they should account for his loss within the backfield and discover a new kick returner. Herbert was injured Sunday throughout the fourth quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field, and likelihood is Jones will fill that position /Sunday.
Special groups coordinator Richard Hightower didn’t wish to tip his hand about who would be the returner, however operating again Trestan Ebner steps right into a place as David Montgomery’s backup, and the Bears doubtless received’t wish to danger extra attrition on the place by utilizing the rookie from Baylor. That offers Jones a superb likelihood to be the kickoff returner, one thing he final did in Week 8 in opposition to the Dallas Cowboys.
Jones was pulled from punt return duties after a muff within the Week 6 loss to the Washington Commanders. It was his second in three video games after fumbling a punt in opposition to the New York Giants late in a Week 4 defeat. The Bears stay happy with the work of receiver Dante Pettis as punt returner.
Jones, who has averaged 21.2 yards on six kickoff returns, hasn’t gotten a whole lot of traction offensively, mainly serving as a gadget participant. He has three receptions for twenty-four yards and a landing and three carries for 41 yards.
Could he be used as a operating again to assist ease the lack of Herbert?
“We’re going to look at as many different ways as possible to fill that void,” offensive coordinator Luke Getsy stated. “Nothing will necessarily replace Khalil. He’s done such a nice job for us. We’re looking at a bunch of different things.”
Jones performed slightly operating again at Saraland (Ala.) High School earlier than changing into a receiver at USC after which Tennessee.
“A lot of teams liked to bracket me as a receiver,” Jones stated. “(Coach) would put me in the backfield just to get the ball in my hands. I can do many different things. We’ll see if they have some of that in mind to add to the playbook.”
A extra typical approach to exchange Herbert within the backfield would be capable to develop Ebner’s position. Getsy has regarded for all types of how at hand the ball off, although — receivers have 13 mixed dashing makes an attempt and tight finish Cole Kmet has two.
It’s only one approach to attempt to get Jones concerned once more.
“He’s getting reps with us, he’s getting reps with the scout team part of it,” Getsy stated. “He’s been great. He’s definitely been dialed in. (Receivers coach) Tyke (Tolbert) does a great job with him. He’s definitely getting better mentally as far as getting to do more things. So he’s definitely on the right track.”
Being lively on recreation days once more would give Jones an opportunity to construct some momentum, however he doesn’t have any particular objectives in thoughts for the ultimate seven video games.
“Just to be available,” he stated. “When my name is called, make a play and help this team win.”
The first step is getting a uniform Sunday in Atlanta.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com