The Chicago Bears lose another offensive target to injured reserve

Chicago Bears - Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bears - Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Bears don’t have many top names at pass catcher, but now they will also be without free agent signing, Byron Pringle. Pringle was supposed to be the WR2 in this offense, but Equanimeous St. Brown quickly took over that role. Pringle missed time heading into the 2022 season and is now headed to injured reserve with the ability to return after four weeks. This would mean he could return in Week 8 vs. the Cowboys, but coming off a short week, I wouldn’t be surprised if he isn’t back until Week 9 when the Bears take on the red-hot Miami Dolphins.

This is a bit of a blow to the Bears’ receiving corps., but let’s be honest it’s not the end of the world. Pringle only has two catches for 33 yards this season. That said, Justin Fields doesn’t even have 50 passing attempts through three games. The hope here though is that third-round rookie, Velus Jones, Jr. can return to practice and play in Week 4 vs. the Giants. He was a limited participant at the end of last week after missing the first three weeks so let’s hope he’s trending to be able to play this week.

The Chicago Bears lose Byron Pringle to injured reserve

The team should also see N’Keal Harry come back from injury soon. He was put on injured reserve to start the season and is eligible to play as soon as Week 5 vs. the Vikings. Both of these options intrigue me. Harry needed a change of scenery and showed us a little in the preseason before getting hurt. Velus Jones showed us not only a little something on offense in the preseason but also in the return game — something the team is lacking right now.

I had high hopes for Byron Pringle this year as he started to prove himself in the Chiefs offense last year. The injury bug has gotten him, but it’s still possible he makes an impact once he is out of his walking boot and back on the field. Justin Fields can use the time to keep developing and maybe, just maybe the offense is rolling more come the middle of the season. Again, this isn’t a big blow, but still a blow nonetheless. Will Velus Jones and N’Keal Harry be enough or does Ryan Poles need to get creative and look to trade for another receiver?