The Velus Jones experiment reached its likeliest conclusion Friday when the Bears waived the receiver-turned-running-back to create room for players they plan to activate from injured reserve.
Jones, with whom the Bears had stressed ball security for years, muffed a kickoff in Week 1and has not been on the active roster since.
The Tennessee alum was the first offensive player ever drafted by general manager Ryan Poles. His lackluster production at receiver — he had 11 catches for 127 yards through his first two seasons — prompted the Bears to move him to running back in August to try to salvage some value out of their 2022 third-round pick. He performed well enough in training camp that Poles declined to trade him for a late-round draft pick before cut day.
Jones had two carries in the season-opening win against the Titans but was removed from his returner job after he muffed a first-quarter kickoff and mistakenly kicked the ball about 20 yards forward into the arms of the Titans. DeAndre Carter has been the Bears’ primary kick returner ever since.
Jones playing running back intrigued the Bears, and there’s a chance he could continue to develop on their practice squad down the road. To be eligible, he’ll have to clear waivers. Any team that claims Jones would have to put him on their 53-man roster.
Jones is already 27 years old. Perhaps some team bets on his speed — he ran a 4.31-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine — and his history as a solid returner. Among players with 25 or more returns from 2022-23, he ranked second with an average of 27.4 yards. But Jones’ four fumbles in 27 career games remains alarming, regardless of his position or how fast he can run.
The Bears also cut veteran fullback Khari Blasingame on Friday. Clearing two roster spots will allow the Bears to promote injured reserve players to the active roster Saturday, including backup running back Travis Homer.