LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) – On the bubble to make the Bears' initial 53-man roster, Velus Jones Jr. has a notable new role for at least a few days.
Jones is working as a running back in practice this week, head coach Matt Eberflus said Tuesday. The Bears believe that Jones can be a "weapon" out of the backfield, Eberflus said.
A third-round pick of the Bears in 2022, Jones has struggled to emerge and produce as a wide receiver in the NFL. He has 11 receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown over two NFL seasons. Jones has also carried 17 times for 154 yards and a score.
Jones, 27, faces steep odds to make the Bears' roster at wide receiver given the team's newfound depth at the position. Chicago traded for six-time Pro Bowl receiver Keenan Allen in March and selected receiver Rome Odunze with the No. 9 overall pick in the NFL Draft, adding them to a positional group headlined by star DJ Moore and which includes Tyler Scott as well.
In 2023, the Bears kept six wide receivers on their initial 53-man roster. If they repeat that approach, that would leave two roster spots open to claim there – assuming good health for Moore, Allen, Odunze and Scott.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.