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Bears Cut Candidate Confirmed for New Position in 1st Preseason Game

Bears wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. will be getting some carries out of the backfield against the Bills.

By Jovan Alford

May 23, 2024; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus speaks during organized team activities at Halas Hall
May 23, 2024; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus speaks during organized team activities at Halas Hall / Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
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After playing the Houston Texans in the Hall of Fame Game last week, the Chicago Bears will continue their preseason schedule against the Buffalo Bills this weekend.

Bears fans are excited for this preseason contest as rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the starters are expected to take the field. Fans will have their eyes closely on Williams and how he performs in his preseason debut.

However, there are other players to watch out for in this game, including wide receiver Velus Jones Jr., who is looking to solidify his spot on the Bears’ 53-man roster. The former third-round pick has struggled to make an impact in his first two years in the NFL, leading to talk that Chicago could move on from Jones based on the talent at receiver.

That said, the former University of Tennessee wide receiver is doing everything to make himself a valuable asset on the Bears’ roster. Earlier this week, it was reported that Jones was practicing with the running backs at training camp and was open to the move.

Bears News: Former Third-Round Pick to Receive Carries Against Bills

In his two years in the league, Jones has 17 carries for 154 yards and a touchdown, which isn’t enough to say he’ll be a solid running back. However, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus told reporters on Thursday that Jones will “definitely” get some carries, per ESPN’s Courtney Cronin.

With the Bears having one of the best wide receiver trios in the league, Jones won’t see much time at receiver. However, if Jones can develop into Cordarrelle Patterson for this offense, it will give teams something else to worry about when he’s on the field.

Bears fans remember Patterson being that all-around versatile weapon on the field and haven’t had that since the 2020 season.

Last season, Jones had 71 scrimmage yards on 12 touches, which was disappointing as he was a top-75 pick (71st overall). Nonetheless, he can change the narrative about himself with a good outing against the Bills.

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