Velus Jones Jr. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

What Bears teammates are telling Velus Jones Jr. after recent benching

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 11/19/22

Chicago Bears rookie receiver Velus Jones Jr. hasn’t played a down in two weeks, but fortunately his teammates are helping lift his spirits after consecutive healthy scratches.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Chicago’s matchup with the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Jones Jr. admitted that fellow receivers Dante Pettis and Darnell Mooney have offered the first-year wideout some advice on overcoming adversity.

“Dante gave me some talks before,” Jones said, via NBC Sports Chicago. “He gave me some examples of his rookie season and what was difficult, giving me some advice being a rookie. You just learning how to become a pro. Your work habits and how you approach every day.”

Velus Jones Jr. talked today about his plan to get back on the field, citing improving his work habits and "becoming a pro" over any specific thing he needs to fix. He said he felt like he was up to speed on the playbook early on and that his mistakes won't hold him back.
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) November 17, 2022

“Just keep working,” Mooney said of his advice for Jones. “Don’t think about anything bad or negative. Just be ready. It’s your rookie year, but you honestly just have to be ready at any moment. Anytime you can be called back up and you have to be ready when your number is called. Don’t be down on it. Don’t be down on yourself. Don’t doubt yourself. Because when you can come back up and the ball is in the air and it’s your chance, you got to be able to make the most of it.”

The trade deadline acquisition of Chase Claypool and the return of Byron Pringle from injured reserve have bumped Jones Jr. down the depth chart.

After missing much of the preseason and start of the regular season due to a hamstring injury, Jones Jr. saw sporadic playing time in October. He recorded one reception in Weeks 5, 6 and 8 for a combined 24 yards and a touchdown, but he hasn’t played since a 49-29 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 30.

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