Chicago Bears: New addition not a good sign for Trey Burton
The Chicago Bears were awarded tight end J.P. Holtz off waivers today. This signing is not a good sign for Trey Burton.
Actions speak louder than words. Although the Chicago Bears and Matt Nagy say they are optimistic about Trey Burton being healthy enough to play in Denver on Sunday, the addition of another tight end says otherwise.
The Bears claimed and were awarded tight end J.P. Holtz off waivers on Wednesday. J. P. Holtz has been in the league since 2016, but never cracked a 53-man roster until Washington held onto him for Week 1. He played in his first NFL regular season game last week because Jordan Reed was out with a concussion.
Holtz only played on special teams, but Ryan Pace saw enough in Holtz to bring him in as a depth move. The Bears waived defensive tackle Abdullah Anderson to make room for Holtz.
Tight end was clearly the weakest position for the Bears going into the season. Trey Burton was not elite in 2018, but he was fourth on the team in both receiving yards (569) and touchdowns (6).
Pace and the Bears must be frustrated with Trey Burton by now though. He missed the 2018 Wild Card playoff game against his prior team. The injury came as a bit of a last-minute surprise and many questioned his mental abilities.
Burton opened up last year about struggling with and overcoming anxiety. However, he said his anxiety did not play a part in missing the Eagles game. I will take Burton at his word, but I do not trust Nagy’s right now because like I said, their actions speak louder.
If Burton was healthy enough for Sunday, why bring in Holtz? The team already has four active tight ends. Now they will have five. Maybe the move is just an insurance policy, but this decision makes me nervous about Burton’s ability. Do not be surprised if he cannot go again in Week 2 Bears fans.
Next. Chicago Bears: Patience running thin for Trubisky. dark
Adam Shaheen was disappointing in Week 1 against the Packers, but I doubt P.J. Holtz sees any offensive snaps in Week 2. If Trey Burton misses this game or any others this season, the Bears could be in trouble though. Ryan Pace might need to consider making a trade opposed to signing tight ends off the street.