The Chicago Bears are giving receiver Velus Jones a chance to show versatility in an attempt to earn reps and win a roster spot.
The Bears are test-driving the receiver in a running back role this week ahead of the club's preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.
"He was welcome to that and we feel that because of the versatility of the talent and the skill sets that he offers our offense another way to have a weapon back there," head coach Matt Eberflus said of the change Tuesday. "Hopefully that grows into something. That's (offensive coordinator) Shane (Waldron) and the offensive staff just being creative, being able to, maximize our talents on our roster."
Jones entered camp squarely on the roster bubble after Chicago drastically improved the corps this offseason with the additions of Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze. Jones has run with the backups throughout camp.
The 2022 third-round pick has struggled to catch on in his first two seasons. Jones has 11 career grabs for 127 yards and one touchdown in 26 games. Despite a need at the position in 2023, he caught just four passes for 20 yards.
Jones has rushed 17 times for 154 yards and a score. Most of those rushes came on motion plays, but he did have a 17-yard rush from the backfield last season against Minnesota. In two seasons, he's lined up in the backfield 11 times, per Pro Football Focus.
"He has a lot of talent," Eberflus said. "He's open to moving around. I think it was maybe last time we visited about if you were the fringe roster or guy that's competing for that fifth, sixth spot on the receiver or halfback, whatever it might be. The more you can do, if you're a core-four guy in special teams, and the more you can utilize your talents across a wider base of the team. I believe that's a good thing for you. That's what he's doing."
Jones' best shot at making the Bears roster is proving he can play anywhere and everywhere. Special teams will be a core job, but if he can pull off a move to running back, it would provide value to a club that spent a third-round pick on the former Tennessee Volunteer.
