The Bears Just Sent Velus Jones A Clear Warning
Velus Jones did everything in his power to battle his way onto the roster. He even accepted playing at a new position, shifting to running back in training camp. It was close, but the Chicago Bears saw enough to give him another chance to prove he can contribute to this team. A lot of fans weren’t happy about it, knowing his track record for being unreliable. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus insisted it was what was best for the team. Then, in the first game of the season against Tennessee, Jones fumbled a kickoff that led to three points for the Titans.
He never got another chance after that, seeing veteran DeAndre Carter not only replace him but kickstart the rally with a 67-yard return toward the end of the half. It appears the Bears might finally be reaching their breaking point on Jones. They hosted eight players for tryouts this week. Four of them were wide receivers. Most share something in common.
They have extensive returner experience.
The Bears are shortening the leash on Velus Jones.
Kearis Jackson had over 1,000 total return yards in college, averaging 23.0 on kickoffs. Jordan Kerley got similar work at SMU. By far, the most interesting name is David Wallis. He piled up 202 kick return yards in the preseason for New England, averaging 28.9 per return. He also averaged 20.2 for Randolph-Macon College. It is unlikely the Bears will cut the cord on Jones yet. They probably feel he can still offer them matchup opportunities in the run game with his speed and explosiveness.
Even so, it is apparent that fumbled kickoffs badly frayed the last rope holding Velus Jones on this roster. The Bears have given him every opportunity to prove he belongs on the team. Nobody disputes the hard work he’s put in. The problem is that the hard work has to translate to results on the field. Jones is proving more detrimental to his own team than the opponent. There comes a time when you have to admit a mistake and move on. Chicago is quickly reaching that point with Jones.