Position change could be what Bears speedster needs

The Bears overhauled their receiving corps in the offseason, adding veteran Keenan Allen and first-round draft pick Rome Odunze to a group that already includes star D.J. Moore.

The moves positively reformed Chicago's expectations for the passing game under Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick and starting quarterback.

It also changed the outlook for little-used Bears receiver Velus Jones Jr., a project coming off a poor 2023 season (four catches, 20 yards).

On Tuesday, Bears Insider's Sean Hammond reported that Jones Jr. is taking reps as a running back.

Jones Jr. has a slim chance of earning playing time in Chicago's new-look passing game, so moving to running back would allow the Bears to use his elite speed on the ground. He rushed eight times for 51 yards last season, a 6.4-yard average.

In late July, the Chicago Sun-Times reported a competition is underway for Nos. 2 and 3 running backs behind D'Andre Swift. If Jones Jr. switches to running back, he faces stiff competition against Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson.

Another option for Jones Jr. is as a kickoff return specialist. His speed, power and elusiveness could aid the Bears, especially under the NFL's new kickoff rules .

Whether as a running back or return specialist, Jones Jr. is running low on options. His remaining time with the Bears could be short if he doesn't perform well at those spots.