Velus Jones Sounds Like a Goner After Bears Coach's Latest Comments
By Cem Yolbulan
Ever since he was the Chicago Bears' third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Velus Jones Jr. failed to live up to the expectations. Despite having all the physical and athletic tools to be an impactful wide receiver, Jones Jr. was never able to establish his career in the NFL.
Before the start of the season, he was a potential cut candidate as many fans had soured on him over the years. Yet, Jones surprisingly made the 53-man roster after switching his position to running back. However, his calling card was his return ability and his role on the team would be as a kick returner.
Unfortunately, he may have worn out his welcome as a special teamer, as well. The former Tennessee star fumbled a kickoff return in Week 1 that gave the Titans an excellent field opportunity for an easy field goal attempt. After the game, he said that he could get "lackadaisical" during kick returns.
Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower didn't like this. According to ESPN's Courtney Cronin, Hightower called Jones' muffed return "unacceptable".
Richard Hightower called Velus Jones' muffed kickoff return "unacceptable." Says the Bears "value the ball and on that particular play we didn’t and it hurt the football team."
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) September 12, 2024
DeAndre Carter finished the Titans game as both the Bears punt and kickoff returner, which could be a…
Hightower added that even though he "hurts for the kid" as a human, Jones' inability to value the ball hurt the team on Sunday. Therefore, he highlighted the need to evaluate all the options.
This likely means that veteran return man DeAndre Carter will take over the kickoff return duties like he did against the Titans. He is already the punt returner for the team and Hightower said he is "totally comfortable" with him as a kickoff returner as well.
"I’m totally comfortable with DeAndre doing such. That’s why he did it to finish the game."
- Bears STC Richard Hightower
Khalil Herbert was also used as a kick returner before and has a chance to see some snaps in that role. Tyler Scott, who could see more playing time depending on Rome Odunze and Keenan Allen's injury status, was used as a return man in the preseason as well. So, the Bears will have plenty of options to replace Velus Jones Jr, signaling the potential end to his Chicago tenure.
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