Chicago Bears Preseason Week One What to Watch For: WRs

What should we be looking for from the Chicago Bears wide receivers in Week One of the preseason?

Without any of the starters in the Hall of Fame game, it is safe to say that this week indeed is the first preseason game of the NFL season. It also is considered Week One, even for the Chicago Bears, so.

Now, we have the chance to understand the groundwork of the starters, as well as track momentum from depth players who saw more action than other teams will have with their depth. Who takes a step from week to week, and who declines?

Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel

I would still rest Allen Robinson. I do not see the reason for rushing him onto the field before the third preseason game. Gabriel came up limping at the end of practice. It was nothing major, but he may not see a significant role this week either.

Anthony Miller

It was worth noting that when Matt Nagy rested the starters, he rested Anthony Miller. Now, Miller, we get to see the field with his starting quarterback, Trubisky. As mentioned, the starting group may be a bit thinned out, but this is a chance for Miller to work in and out of the slot.

Kevin White

It is also worth noting that Kevin White was rested with the “starters” as well. He has not had any injury set back whatsoever this year, so momentum is high on White in camp. Now, with Robinson likely out White will get outside shots from Trubisky. It will not be long, but White definitely could get momentum working in his favor in a big way Thursday.

Javon Wims

Wims was likely the big takeaway from the Hall of Fame. We all knew he could go up and get it. However, Wims consistently won over the middle with strong route running to convert third and fourth down targets. The fluidity and ability to use his size in the slot was unexpected. Can he build off of this, and does he see the field earlier after his performance?

Josh Bellamy

All signs are pointing to Bellamy making the roster right now. He is still ahead of Wims and may see some starter snaps again if Gabriel does not go.

Bennie Fowler

Fowler was ahead of Wims as well last week and may see the field with him this week. Fowler had a perfect opportunity to haul in a tough pass but dropped a touchdown. That crushes a player such as Fowler, and he will have to build trust with a big catch or two in the next few weeks.

Tanner Gentry

Gentry hauled in a couple of passes including a touchdown. However, with Wims balling out, his efforts looked pedestrian. He needs splash plays to boost his momentum, but his days of seeing the field with Trubisky are over for the time being.

Marlon Brown and DeMarcus Ayers

Brown and Ayers saw time somewhat early into the Hall of Fame game. However, a drop from Brown and fumble from Ayers have their stock down in a big way. Ayers converted a couple passes on the next drive, but it is a question if Garrett Johnson starts to see late-game snaps over him.

As for Brown, he is likely going to be pushed down by Wims, and potentially Gentry. He now will probably only see garbage time snaps.