Bears WR Velus Jones Jr. maintaining confidence after rough start to 2023 preseason

Chicago Bears wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. had about as bad of a 2023 preseason opener as possible against the Tennessee Titans when he muffed another punt that resulted in a turnover. Jones was an unreliable receiver and returner during his rookie season in 2022, but the former third-round pick was given a clean slate by coach Matt Eberflus and the Bears at the start of training camp.

With special teams representing his most likely chance of making the Bears’ roster, he can’t afford to make any more mistakes this summer.

Despite the horrendous start to the preseason, Velus Jones Jr. remains confident in his abilities.

‘‘I showed glimpses last year and stuff, not getting too much playing time,’’ Jones said. ‘‘Getting in enough and getting my feet wet just a little bit. I know what I’m capable of, and I’m definitely a unique player on this team.’’

Unique is one way of putting it. The Chicago Bears are trying to find a role that works for Jones as an offensive weapon and playmaker. Unfortunately, he keeps fumbling the chances they give him, and guys without a position often end up without a job, too.

‘‘It’s all about awareness, being smart,’’ Jones said. ‘‘All week, all camp, I’ve been doing a good job catching them, feeling them out, even when we practice in the stadium. I’ve just gotta make a smarter play, even though I’ve got that competitive edge in me and stuff like that. Really proving it to myself and not everybody else.’’

Jones will get his next chance to prove he’s a reliable returner and potential playmaker on offense during the Chicago Bears’ joint practices against the Indianapolis Colts this week. And if he has a strong outing in the Bears’ Week 2 preseason game Saturday night, the odds he’ll stick around as the team’s No. 5 or 6 wide receiver will go up.