With Matt Eberflus announcing on Tuesday that the Chicago Bears' starters will not be playing in the Hall of Fame game against the Houston Texans on Thursday night, it brings added focus to the players at the bottom of the roster.
The players featured in Thursday's game will likely be those who face an uphill battle in making the 53-man roster at the start of the regular season.
There is one player in particular who will need to prove to be valuable this preseason, beginning with the game against the Texans.
The player is third-year return specialist Velus Jones Jr. Jones was selected by the Bears in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Expectations for Jones have been rapidly declining, as after his rookie season, it was clear that there wasn't a path toward him being a functional wide receiver at the NFL level.
Time is ticking for this Bears' draft dud.
Jones has been relegated to being a return specialist this season given the additions that the Bears made at the wide receiver position this offseason. The good news for Jone is given the NFL's new kickoff rules, there is path to the former Tennessee wide receiver finally having a valued role on the Bears' roster. However, it seems that the Bears are looking for any option but Jones as their returner in 2024.
Jones doesn't just need to prove to be functional with the new kickoff rule, he needs to prove to be a difference maker. Otherwise, he will likely be among the cuts that the Bears make at the end of preseason.
Thursday should be a great opportunity for Jones as he will not only get reps on kickoff returns, he likely will be featured in offensive packages. It's an upward climb but a good showing against the Texans may just get his Bears' career back on track.