Struggling Bear Trying New Position Ahead of Bills Game

This year’s training camp and preseason are crucial for former third-round pick wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. The 27-year-old wide receiver has failed to make an impact over his first two years in the NFL (28 touches for 281 scrimmage yards and two total touchdowns).

The 6-foot wide receiver has been utilized in various ways on the field but still hasn’t found his footing. With the Bears having an abundance of talent at the wide receiver spot, Jones needs to do everything in his power to find a way to make the 53-man roster.

According to former NFL tight end Clay Harbor, the former University of Tennessee receiver is practicing with the Bears running backs at Tuesday’s camp practice.

After practice on Tuesday, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus told reporters that Jones was open to it, and it's something they'll continue to experiment with in camp, per ESPN's Courtney Cronin.

The idea of Jones practicing with the running backs should not be surprising, given that he has 17 carries on his NFL resume. Coming out of college, Jones was primarily used as a wideout, but the belief was he had the skills to be utilized across the formation.

For Jones to stick on the Bears’ roster he has to be a jack of all trades, which includes being the team’s return specialist. With the NFL adapting the XFL’s kickoff rules, Jones could make a case in the preseason to show why he belongs on the Bears roster.

However, it won’t be easy as the former third-round pick has struggled to make an impact in his first two years when Chicago’s wide receiver room was looking for another playmaker to emerge.

Jones didn’t play in the Bears’ first preseason game against the Houston Texans, but that could change this week if the starters get some reps vs. Buffalo.

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