LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- More than halfway through the season, the Bears continue to struggle with defining a role for rookie receiver Velus Jones Jr.
A third-round pick of the Bears in April, a healthy Jones was inactive in Chicago's loss to Miami on Sunday. The decision came days after the Bears acquired receiver Chase Claypool in a trade and quickly carved out a role for him in his first game with the team.
Jones watched from the sidelines in sweats, while Claypool and others stepped in for the Bears at wide receiver.
“You take it as a motivation,” Jones said of being scratched from the lineup. “Everything happens for a reason. I’m a big believer in that.”
The 25-year-old Jones has three receptions for 41 yards and a touchdown in five games this season. He missed the Bears’ first three contests due to a hamstring injury, which also cost him most of the preseason.
Bears coach Matt Eberflus indicated the team’s decision to sideline Jones was based off the numbers at his position. Chicago had five active wide receivers Sunday – Claypool, Darnell Mooney, N’Keal Harry, Equanimeous St. Brown and Dante Pettis – and special teams contributions were also valued in addition to offensive fit and production in making decisions.
That left Jones as the odd man out given his struggles this season. He muffed a pair of punts that proved to be costly in losses to the Giants and Commanders. The Bears have since removed him from that punt returner role.
Eberflus recognizes the importance of developing a rookie like Jones as the Bears build for their future, but he also indicated that Jones must show consistency in practice before he regains a role in games.
“We’re doing really what’s best for us,” Eberflus said. “Certainly, we look at that and we understand that, but we do that more in practice. But for the game, we’re going to put the best guys out for the game to win that game.”
The Bears have had more production from their wide receivers as they've shown offensive improvement. Mooney has remained the top target for second-year quarterback Justin Fields, while Harry is becoming more of a threat in the passing game after returning in October from an ankle injury. St. Brown and Pettis have also continued to hold their roles.
The Bears selected Jones with the hope he could be a playmaker for their offense, but he he must first earn that opportunity.
Jones is taking that challenge to heart.
“Control what you can control at this moment and grind,” Jones said. “Push yourself, extra work, whatever it takes. But I know my time is coming.
“You got to take everything one day at a time. What can I do now to get better? How can I help my team by creating value? That’s my main focus right now.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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