The Chicago Bears are running thin at this point in the preseason. While Matt Forte and Martellus Bennett remain healthy, the wide receiver group is getting hit hard with injuries. With Kevin White potentially out for the season and Alshon Jeffery dealing with a calf issue, seeing Eddie Royal in street clothes during team practice is not a welcomed sight. Could the Bears be forced to add someone to the roster for help?
With White and Jeffery out, Royal has been to go-to receiver for quarterback Jay Cutler. He has been a standout player for the team through two preseason games. It is expected Chicago relies heavily on the former San Diego Chargers star, but now he too is sitting out of practice. Head coach John Fox told the media via the Chicago Sun Times that Royal is dealing with a hip injury that is keeping him off the field. Fox would not elaborate on the issue and give a time table for Royal's return to the field, but any time away is a huge hit for the Bears.
Marquess Wilson is also out for the time being. The receiver has a strained hamstring injury bothering him. That means the Bears are without their top four receivers. White is expected to be out for the entire season after undergoing surgery on his shin. With Brandon Marshall now playing for the New York Jets, the Bears are pressed for help.
According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Bears could eye Wes Welker in the coming weeks. While chances are slim the former Denver Broncos and New England Patriots star returns to the NFL, it cannot be ruled out since there are no other options. The Patriots signed Reggie Wayne removing him off the market. Chicago can either sign Welker or wait for the first round of roster cuts where they will be competing with the Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers to get help. The first round of roster cuts could feature names like Justin Hunter, Hakeem Nicks and James Jones as options. The Bears would gladly take any of those options.
Until players return healthy or the Bears add other options, they will dig deep into their depth for help. Rashad Lawrence, Marc Mariani and Josh Bellamy will see plenty of action in the next preseason. While they are certainly not house hold names, they are all the Bears have to work with.
