Tag: Velus Jones

Jaguars make pair of practice squad promotions for Week 11

Jaguars make pair of practice squad promotions for Week 11

The Jaguars promoted wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. and linebacker Anthony Pittman from their practice squad to the active roster via standard elevation on Saturday for Jacksonville’s Week 11 matchup with the Detroit Lions.

The Jaguars also ruled rookie running back Keilan Robinson, who is currently designated to return from the injured reserve, out of the contest.

Jones signed with Jacksonville’s practice squad on Oct. 29. A third-round NFL draft pick by Chicago in 2022, Jones appeared in 27 games and made two starts with the Bears before being released on Oct. 26.

Jones logged 12 receptions for 135 yards and one touchdown, 19 rushing attempts for 165 yards and one score, and averaged 26.7 yards per kickoff return over 29 tries with Chicago.

Pittman signed with Detroit as an undrafted free agent in 2019 and carved out roles as a depth linebacker and special teamer with the Lions for five seasons, recording 12 total tackles, one defended pass and one forced fumble.

Pittman signed with Washington this offseason but was released during the Commanders’ preseason roster cutdown. He joined the Jaguars’ practice squad on Oct. 7.

Bears OTAs: Keenan Allen, Montez Sweat among those not participating

A few Bears players were not present at Thursday’s OTAs, including Keenan Allen and Montez Sweat.

The Chicago Bears hit the field on Thursday for their third organized team activity (OTA) practice, but it was the first one open to the media, and a few prominent players were absent from the practice field. Wide receiver Keenan Allen, defensive end Montez Sweat, tackle Darnell Wright, guard Nate Davis, and wide receiver Velus Jones were not present. Rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze was in attendance but was not practicing due to a hamstring injury he suffered during rookie minicamp.

Missing two starting wide receivers and the entire right side of the offensive line might have played a role in the offense’s struggles throughout practice. Quarterback Caleb Williams was not sharp on Thursday, missing numerous passes and holding onto the ball too long, according to CHGO’s Nicholas Moreano. Head coach Matt Eberflus isn’t concerned with the attendance, however, and notes that everyone has been in the building at some point during the voluntary offseason program.

Thursday’s practice is the last one for the Bears this week. They will return to Halas Hall on Tuesday, May 28th.

 

LOOK: Caleb Williams building chemistry with Bears receivers

Enjoy this video of Bears rookie Caleb Williams throwing to DJ Moore, Keenan Moore and others.

Following Chicago Bears rookie minicamp last weekend, quarterback Caleb Williams was back on the practice field at Halas Hall. Only this time, he was throwing to his veteran teammates.

The Bears social accounts shared a video of Williams throwing passes to his new teammates: DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Tyler Scott and Velus Jones Jr. with the offseason program underway.

Williams has wasted no time building chemistry with his new teammates. Not only has he been getting work in with fellow rookie Rome Odunze, he’s developing a rapport with veterans. Even before he was officially drafted by Chicago with the first overall pick, Williams had organized an offseason workout with Moore, Allen and Odunze.

Chicago will be back on the practice field for the start of organized team activities, which kick off next week. The practices will be conducted May 20-21, May 23, May 28-29 and May 31.

8 takeaways from the Bears’ familiar loss to the Vikings

The Bears are who we thought they were after the 19-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Here were our takeaways from the game.

It’s back to reality for the 2023 Chicago Bears. After an exciting victory over the Washington Commanders in Week 5, the Bears followed it up with a stinker on the lakefront, losing 19-13 to the Minnesota Vikings to fall to 1-5.

Chicago had 10 days to prepare for their divisional opponent, but apparently that wasn’t enough time to recognize Minnesota’s numerous blitz packages that thwarted the offense on the first play from scrimmage. Quarterback Justin Fields had a rough outing, completing just 6-of-10 passes for 58 yards and an interception before exiting the game with a dislocated thumb.

Backup undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent entered in relief and didn’t fare much better, committing two turnovers that thwarted any sort of comeback. The offense totaled just 275 yards and failed to capitalize when they had excellent field position, which they had often thanks to a strong defensive performance.

The Bears defense contained the Vikings offense for much of the day. Minnesota scored 12 offensive points, totaled 220 yards, and converted just 2-of-13 third-down conversions. With a (mostly) healthy secondary back and improved play from the linebackers, the defense played well enough for the team to win. That wasn’t the case, though, and now the Bears have to navigate an uncertain immediate future with key injuries sidelining players such as Fields.

Here were our takeaways from Sunday’s all-too-familiar loss.

8 takeaways from the Bears’ troubling loss vs. the Buccaneers

From an incompetent offensive game plan to Ngakoue’s inability to finish sacks, here are our takeaways from the Bears loss to the Bucs.

For the first time since 2017, the Chicago Bears have started a season 0-2, dropping a frustrating game to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-17. Coincidentally, that 2017 team also lost to Tampa in the blazing September heat in Week 2. But unlike that year, there is no allure or hope of a promising rookie quarterback waiting in the wings while a veteran struggles under center.

This group was supposed to be set at the quarterback position with Justin Fields, featuring an upgraded supporting cast, ready to build on last year and begin competing. But after mustering just 17 points with many of the same issues on display, this team is stuck in the mud with no rope to pull them out.

The Bears were too inconsistent on offense, unable to build on their early momentum and sustain a lead. Even when things got back on track late in the game, catastrophe struck with a pick-six late in the game.

The Buccaneers, meanwhile, were able to capitalize on third downs all day, which kept the defense on the field for far too long. Baker Mayfield had one of his best performances in recent memory, and Mike Evans abused the Bears secondary on multiple occasions.

It was another frustrating showing from a team that doesn’t have many excuses left. Here are our takeaways from the game:

6 most surprising cuts from Bears’ 53-man roster

The Bears assembled their 53-man roster, cutting many players in the process. Here are the six most surprising cuts.

Week 1 of the regular season is just around the corner, and excitement is hitting a fever pitch. The Chicago Bears will face the loathsome Green Bay Packers to kick off the season, and fans are more than ready to turn the page on the preseason and get ready for a long year of Chicago football.

Before the festivities begin, however, the Bears had to make some tough decisions to whittle down the roster to the NFL’s mandated 53 players. While the vast majority of players Chicago waived didn’t make too many headlines, the team did make a couple of surprise cuts.

From standout rookies to shocking releases that continue to strangle an already weak position, here are the team’s six most surprising cuts.

6 standout Bears from Day 1 of joint practice with Colts

With the first day of Bears-Colts joint practices in the books, here are the players who impressed on Wednesday.

The Chicago Bears traveled to Indianapolis to hold a joint practice with the Colts this Wednesday ahead of their preseason matchup on Saturday.

It’s only natural that tempers would flare when the two teams are finally allowed to go all out, and the teams definitely butted heads – rookie cornerback Tyrique Stevenson introduced the Colts’ Troy Brown to his physical style, resulting in some trash talk between the two Midwest teams.

The Bears carried over their strong performance against the Titans to the Colts’ practice field, as the team competed to the fullest of their ability. With that being said, let’s examine the six stand out players in the Bears joint practice with the Colts.

10 Takeaways from the Bears 23-17 win over the Titans

From Trevis Gipson’s dominant day to Velus Jones’ continued struggles, here are our takeaways from Saturday’s Bears preseason victory.

The 2023 preseason started with a bang for the Chicago Bears, who defeated the Tennessee Titans 23-17 in a wild game at Soldier Field. It was an exciting start for both teams as three touchdowns were scored in the first four possessions.

Following a long opening drive by the Titans to go up 7-0, the Bears responded with not one, but two long touchdown catch and runs by the first-team offense to lead 14-7. Once the reserves took over, each team played hot potato with the football, committing a total of five turnovers in the second quarter.

In the second half, the Bears put the clamps down on the Titans offense. The defensive line gave Tennessee’s offensive line fits and the Bears offense did just enough to retake and hold onto the lead as time expired. Head coach Matt Eberflus remained perfect in the preseason and the Bears escaped with no major injuries.

Even though it was just a preseason game, there was plenty to learn from what the team did at Soldier Field. Here are our takeaways from Saturday’s victory.

5 bold predictions heading into Bears training camp

A winner in the running back battle and a contract extension highlight our Bears bold predictions heading into training camp.

Chicago Bears training camp 2023 is finally upon us as players begin reporting to Halas Hall this week. It’s the last stretch of the offseason before the regular season begins and while many areas of the team are solidified, a lot can happen between now and early September.

Surprise players will emerge as difference makers, position battles will take center stage, and some fan favorites will say goodbye when the preseason wraps up. You never know what might happen when practices finally get underway.

Here are our bold predictions going into training camp 2023.

Looking back at the Bears’ 2022 rookie draft class

Ahead of the 2023 NFL draft, we’re taking a look back at the Bears’ rookie class from last year.

The Chicago Bears drafted 11 players in the 2022 NFL draft, as well as added a handful of undrafted rookies, where a number of them made significant contributions on offense, defense or special teams during their rookie season.

There were some rookies that shined brighter than others and some that made the most of their limited opportunities. But it’s clear the future is bright with this 2022 draft class, general manager Ryan Poles’ first.

Ahead of the 2023 NFL draft, we’re taking a look back at Chicago’s rookie class from last year, featuring both draft picks and undrafted free agents.