Bears rookie Velus Jones Jr. has been impressing this summer with his speed and playmaking ability, whether that’s on offense or special teams.
In last Thursday’s preseason game, we caught a glimpse of the impact Jones can have in the return game. Jones returned both punts and kickoffs against the Seahawks, and it’s clear the team is trying to get the ball in his hands as often as possible.
Jones’ biggest play came on his second punt return of the game, when he fielded a punt at Chicago’s 19-yard line. Jones turned up his 4.3 speed and was able to elude tacklers before being brought down for a 48-yard punt return, which led to the Bears’ first touchdown of the game.
.@VelusJr turned on the burners 💨
📺: #CHIvsSEA on ESPN pic.twitter.com/CsBd8jRRj7
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 19, 2022
“He can go from zero to 10 in a hurry,” said special teams coordinator Richard Hightower. “He’s got really good acceleration and he’s got good vision. So, he’s just gotta keep working at it and he’ll get better the more he works at it. Those guys usually get more excited blocking for a guy they know has a chance to go to the house. They’re gonna block anyway, but there’s a little extra juice when you’ve got a guy back there that you know can make a play.”
Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like Jones will play in Saturday’s preseason finale as he was still sidelined during Thursday’s practice.
- Ranking the Bears’ top 10 rookies heading into final preseason game
- How many roster spots are still open heading into Bears’ preseason finale?
- Bears DB coach James Rowe praises rookie CB Kyler Gordon’s ball skills
- Bears LB coach Dave Borgonzi shows his players film of Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs
- Podcast: Breaking down the Bears’ preseason so far
- Aaron Rodgers loved this catch from Packers rookie WR Romeo Doubs. READ MORE ON PACKERS WIRE.
- Potential Garrett Bradbury replacement suddenly retires. READ MORE ON VIKINGS WIRE.
- Dan Campbell breaks down the Lions return specialist position battle. READ MORE ON LIONS WIRE.
