The pressure is on Jay Cutler to perform this season as the Chicago Bears look to bounce back from another down season. Cutler faced plenty of trade rumors as he struggled once again in 2014 and this year he must perform to secure his future in Chicago. His teammates will play a big part in that effort as injuries have allowed other players to carve out their role on the team.
Both Alshon Jeffery and Kevin White have been hampered by injuries to start the season. That is not good for the Bears considering they are expected to be the No.1 and No.2 receivers for Cutler. Jeffery's injury appears to be less serious. According to FOX Sports, Jeffery is dealing with a shoulder injury, but is still able to practice on a limited basis. After the trade of Brandon Marshall, Jeffery is stepping up as the lead receiver this season so any injuries could really be a big hit for Chicago.
White is a different story. After getting selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, the rookie came to Chicago with big expectations, but has yet to be seen on the field. Currently dealing with a shin injury, the Chicago Tribune reports the receiver could start the season on the PUP list. Hoping to avoid that, the Bears are optimistic that White returns to the field next week to at least do some light running. Offensive coordinator Adam Gase told the media that White has been studying the playbook and watching practice which should accelerate the process when he gets on the field.
"Right now, it's all visual for Kevin," Gase said, via the Chicago Tribune. "When he gets on the field he has to translate the mental part to the game and then the adjustments. You have to say, 'OK, what are the five things he does well?' Let's see if we can get him really accelerated at those and become really good at those and then move on from there."
In the meantime, Eddie Royal is playing like a steal signing for the Bears. Likely earning the No.3 spot in the rotation, many believe Royal could be a fantasy football sleeper as he continues to gain chemistry with Cutler. The quarterback told the media that Royal has been unbelievable to start camp and is his nomination for player of the week.
"He's there every single day. He's unbelievably hard to cover. He's a hard worker. He's one of the leaders in that offensive side. He's doing everything right," Cutler said via the Chicago Sun Times.
With Gase as the coordinator for the Bears, the offense will be pass heavy and Royal will be getting plenty of attention from Cutler. The Bears will rise or fall by the success of Cutler, but having players like Royal improve should help the effort in a positive way.
