Chicago Bears Positional Battles: Punt Returner
The Chicago Bears certainly have a tremendous history of return specialists, from the electrifying Devin Hester and Gale Sayers, to most recently known specialists Cordarelle Patterson and Tarik Cohen. These names all have something in common, return touchdowns in The Windy City and Pro Bowl nominations at the positions.
The Bears current punt returner position seems to be open and up for grabs. Heading into the first preseason game Dazz Newsome appeared to be the favorite, but he certainly had a poor performance against the Chiefs. In Newsome's sole return he muffed a punt for a -11 yard return.
Bears fans should breathe a little and not be overly concerned despite a lackluster punt return game in first preseason game. The Bears certainly have alternate options. Rookie Velus Jones Jr certainly could be pushing his way to this role when he returns to 100% health. Jones Jr has dynamic speed along with success returning at the college level. As a punt returner in college Jones Jr averaged 15.1 yards a return and has multiple kick return touchdowns.
If Jones Jr or Newsome are not the answers there are options all over the place. Byron Pringle, Khalil Herbert, and Nsimba Webster are all active veterans with return experience. Additionally, rookie Travis Ebner who appears to be the lead kickoff return does have plenty of college experience as a specialist to be an option too.
One under-the-radar name that could emerge is veteran safety, Eddie Jackson. During his time at Alabama, Jackson was an electric punt returner in his Senior season. Jackson would average 23.0 yards a return and add 2 touchdowns to his stats.
This currently seems to be a very fluid position through camp and preseason as Bears special teams coordinator, Richard Hightower is examining his options as we approach week one.
