BREAKING: Bears Braces For Offense As WR Suffers Severe Injury In Last Practice

The Chicago Bears are facing another wide receiver injury as they prepare for their Week 5 home game against the Carolina Panthers.

Wide receiver DeAndre Carter missed the first practice on October 2 due to a rib injury. The 31-year-old has recorded seven receptions for 60 yards in the first four games and has been the team’s primary return specialist for both punts and kickoffs.

It’s unclear when Carter’s injury occurred, but the Bears will need to explore backup options at various positions if he is unable to play against the Panthers. While replacing his contributions at wide receiver might be manageable if D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze are available, finding a suitable replacement for his return duties could prove more challenging.

Additionally, left guard Teven Jenkins was also absent from practice due to a rib injury that caused him to leave in the second quarter of Week 4’s victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Head coach Matt Eberflus stated that Jenkins has “a bruised rib” and is considered “day-to-day,” leaving his status for Week 5 uncertain.

The Bears (2-2) will face former quarterback Andy Dalton and the Panthers (1-3) at Soldier Field on Sunday, October 6, at 1 p.m. Eastern Time.

Could Bears Turn Back to Velus Jones Jr. as Returner?

Carter has two more practices on Thursday and Friday to address his rib injury. If the Bears determine he isn’t at risk of aggravating the injury and his pain tolerance is acceptable, they may clear him to play against the Panthers without missing a beat.

However, if they need to explore alternative options, Velus Jones Jr. could receive his second—potentially final—chance to prove himself in Chicago.

Jones, a third-round pick in 2022, entered the season with high expectations after transitioning from wide receiver to running back during the preseason. The Bears had confidence in his ability to be their primary kick returner, given his average of 27.4 yards per return over his first two years. His versatility added an appealing dimension to their offense.

Unfortunately for Jones, his season took a turn when he muffed his first kick return in Week 1, giving the Tennessee Titans a short field at the Bears’ 23-yard line. This mistake led to his immediate benching from kick returns, with Carter stepping in and averaging 34 yards on five returns since then. Meanwhile, Jones has been a healthy scratch for the last three games.

If Carter is unable to play, the Bears might give Jones another shot against the Panthers. However, if they choose to go with another option—like running back Khalil Herbert or receiver Tyler Scott—it could have significant implications for Jones’ future in Chicago.