The Bears think the changed return environment will give Saraland’s Velus Jones Jr. an opportunity “to really change the game.”
Chicago Bears wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. carries the football during an NFL game against the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 17, 2023, at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland.Chicago Bears special-teams coordinator Richard Hightower helped design the NFL’s new kickoff-return rules. Even he doesn’t know how the changes will play out on the field.
No one on the opposing lines of players can move until the football is touched by a returner or hits the ground. NFL games averaged 2.16 kickoffs during the 2023 regular season. In 2013, the average game had 5.04 kickoffs, and in 2003, that average was 8.44. Jones made the All-State team twice at Saraland, including in 2014, when the Spartans lost to Clay-Chalkville 36-31 in the AHSAA Class 6A championship game.
Since joining the Bears in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Jones has more rushing attempts than receptions. In 26 games, Jones has 11 receptions for 127 yards and one touchdown and 17 carries for 154 yards and one touchdown.
NFL 2023 @Contributor @River-Mobile
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