Bears include Velus Jones Jr., DeAndre Carter on initial 53-man roster: 5 takeaways

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles and his personnel department had to perform some roster acrobatics this week due to injuries.

The Bears placed offensive tackle Larry Borom and defensive end Jacob Martin on short-term injured reserve on Tuesday in an effort to reduce their roster to 53 players. They have four games or more to miss. Prior to his injury, Martin was the No. 3 defensive end, but he has missed the whole of training camp. Borom wheeled a wheelchair out of the preseason finale.

The Chicago Tribune reports that Khari Blasingame, the cut fullback, will be added back to the roster on Wednesday when they make another IR move, most likely bringing long snapper Patrick Scales back.

Dante Pettis, a wide receiver, was placed on indefinite injured reserve.

Velus Jones Jr. gets another shot

The Bears still want to see what Jones can do, especially with the new kickoff rule and possibly in his new role as running back, a skill they’re still developing. Although he hasn’t lived up to the hype of a third-round pick at wide receiver, the Bears still want to watch him. Jones’ size and speed combo is rare and could prove to be effective in a game that will involve more returns. He’s unlikely to get much work on offense but also can be a gunner on the punt team.

Special teams coordinator Richard Hightower stated earlier this month, “He’s always been a guy that will do anything that the coaches ask him to do, and he’s more than willing to play any different position on special teams and anywhere.” It’s how he’s always been. Since he is a dynamic player—as we all know—it has been wonderful to watch him handle the ball. With the ball in his hands, he is dangerous.”

The 30-year-old DeAndre Carter, a late addition who was a member of the Las Vegas Raiders last season, is expected to start at punt returner in Week 1.