It's not yet definitive, but it sure sounds like the Chicago Bears are expecting to see the return of new No. 1 wide receiver Alshon Jeffery sooner rather than later. Jeffery is said to be "progressing well" and is "making strides" to return to the field, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Surprisingly, the Bears even reportedly "hope" that Jeffery will be able to take the field for Week One against NFC North rivals, the Green Bay Packers, per Rapoport.
Jeffery did sit out practice on Monday, which would seem to bode ill for his chances of suiting up against the Packers. But with Brandon Marshall and his incendiary commentary off to the New York Jets, recent first-round pick Kevin White on the shelf for potentially the entirety of his rookie season and quarterback Jay Cutler looking to return to some semblance of legitimate starting signal-caller form, Jeffery's contributions to the offense are sorely needed in the Windy City and it wouldn't be surprising to see the team expedite his timetable for return in order to avoid starting the 2015 season out in an 0-1 hole.
Last season, operating as something of an outside receiving option 1A for Chicago to Marshall's 1B, Jeffery amassed 85 receptions for 1,133 yards and 10 touchdowns. He's a big-bodied wideout who won't win any sprinting competitions, but will use his frame and strength to out-reach and out-muscle smaller defensive backs for passes.
If Jeffery is unable to go, the Bears likely pose little threat to a Packers team and offense seemingly built to score at will. Behind Jeffery, the yet-to-develop Marquess Wilson and steady veteran Eddie Royal are the next men up at receiver, meaning new Bears head coach John Fox is likely to ride running back Matt Forte and tight end Martellus Bennett to whatever points the team is able to manage against a strong Green Bay team.
