Nobody thinks about the impact the kickoff return unit can have on a game, but the Chicago Bears might feel that pain if it doesn't improve in 2026.
Last year, Devin Duvernay and Josh Blackwell mostly handled those duties, and they did a decent job, with the team averaging 26.4 yards per return. Duvernay walked in free agenct, leaving the Bears to bring in Kalif Raymond and rookie Zavion Thomas to add depth at receiver and be special teams returners.
Raymond has been handling the punt returns, while Thomas and Blackwell have been taking care of kickoff returns. This has yielded little, and while the team might be 3-1, the Bears expected more from their speedy returners. Chicago needs to fix it and get some better field positioning in the process.
Bears not getting much production on kickoff return in 2026
Sure, people will balk at this and say, "Who cares about kickoff return when we've got the Bears' offense?" Remember, Duvernay's kickoff return in last year's second Minnesota Vikings matchup helped set up the game-winning field goal. Without that moment, the Bears might not have won, so keep that in mind.
This season, the Bears are ranked dead last in kickoff yards per return with 21.3. Thomas and Blackwell are each averaging the same yards per return: 21.3. The longest return of the season is by Thomas with a 32-yard return.
To put it in context, the Minnesota Vikings lead the league in this category with 30.2 yards per return. That extra nine yards could make the difference between starting at the 30-yard line and being closer to midfield, or at least getting into field goal range.
For a team with Thomas' speed, this feels like a wasted opportunity for the Bears. While Blackwell is always a reliable special teamer, Thomas has the electric play-making ability to break out a big run.
The Bears need to go back to the drawing board on how they can get Thomas going. Duvernay was a bit disappointing as a returner, but he still had some good moments for Chicago.
This falls on special teams coordinator Richard Hightower, who has done a fine job with the unit overall but just hasn't gotten the kickoff return unit going. Chicago ranked 12th in average yards per kickoff return last year, so the drop-off from 26.4 to 21.3 has been pretty noticeable.
Thomas has the speed that, when he has an open field and can take it back, makes the Bears better. They need to make sure they get the right blocking in place and create those lanes for him. That just hasn't happened yet.
If it doesn't improve, the Bears might need to make changes at the unit. Possibly getting a more experienced returner like Raymond could add a much-needed spark on kickoffs. While Raymond's career average of 21.5 yards per kickoff return might not be as great as Thomas's or Blackwell's, the team needs that experience right now.
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Bears fans might see this as a minor inconvenience right now, but when the team needs a spark on kickoff return, they might not get it because of recent struggles. Even if it only affects one game, that one game could be the difference in playoff seeding, so don't sleep on it.
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