FOX LISTS 16 ON INJURY REPORT; WILSON COULD BE NO. 1 WIDE OUT VS. CHIEFS
IN BRIEF
The Bears might need wide receiver Marquess Wilson more than ever Sunday against the Chiefs. He might be their No. 1 wide receiver if Alshon Jeffery and Eddie Royal can’t play.
As daunting as that sounds, the Bears believe Wilson’s performance in their 22- 20 victory against the Raiders— 80 yards on six catches, including two on the game- wining drive— is a sign of what’s to come.
“He did a great job of doing what we ask him to do, and then at the end of the game we were kind of trying to figure out a way to get him the ball,” offensive coordinator Adam Gase said. “He does make some plays throughout the game that kind of go unnoticed. “In that situation there, I know
Jay [ Cutler] has a good rapport with him, and there are times when you guys [ themedia] aren’t out here [ at practice], when they hook up and we see some things that you really feel encouraged about.”
That’s good because the Bears’ injury situation at wide receiver is disconcerting. Jeffery ( hamstring) and Royal ( ankle) didn’t practice Friday and are listed as questionable. Royal has missed every practice this week.
“Every single week somebody else has to step up,” tight end
Martellus Bennett said. “A lot of guys have opportunities to show what they can do.”
It helps to have Bennett ( 24 catches, 201 yards, two touchdowns) and running back Matt
Forte ( 13 catches, 133 yards). But a big play by Wilson will help against the Chiefs. He is fourth on the Bears with nine receptions.
“He’s been doing it ever since he got here in practice every day,” Jeffery said of Wilson’s playmaking abilities. “He just has got to continue to build and keep working hard.”
Playing pop- up
The Bears’ struggles in kickoff coverage, including two returns for touchdowns, led to short popup kicks against the Raiders.
Will there be more against the Chiefs?
“You’re just trying to win every situation, every play, the clock, the returner, the quarter, their personnel, our personnel,” specialteams coordinator Jeff Rodgers said. “You’re just trying to do the best you can in certain situations. There’s times where you’re kicking with a three- club wind and you may be kicking off from the 50- yard line. You know the ball’s going to be out the back. Maybe that’s the best time to kick it deep. You’re just trying to manage every situation the best you can.”
A brief look
The Bears worked out rookie punter Michael Palardy on Friday at Halas Hall, a team source said. Palardy is a strong left- footed punter. He worked with Bears returner Marc Mariani, who is preparing for the Chiefs’ Dustin
Colquitt, another lefty.
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