Bears should benefit from Earl Bennett's return in Week 7
The Chicago Bears don't have rookie WR Alshon Jeffery back, but Earl Bennett should be making his return on Monday Night Football against the Detroit Lions.
By James Brady@jamesbradyisme Oct 16, 2012, 2:05pm CDT
Share All sharing options for: Bears should benefit from Earl Bennett's return in Week 7
Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire
The Chicago Bears had a bye week for Week 6, and won't play again until Monday Night Football against the Detroit Lions on Oct. 22. That gave them some time to get healthier and work through some injuries, but rookie wide receiver Alshon Jeffery is still set to miss the game after injuring his hand on a touchdown reception against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5.
SB Nation's blog for the Bears, Windy City Gridiron, takes a look at the positives of the situation though: the Bears are likely to have wide receiver Earl Bennett back in the lineup. Bennett has been out since Week 3 with an injury, and is expected to return and be a big part of the offense come Week 7:
It was fortuitous timing to have Bennett returning as Jeffery is rehabbing, but that's one reason GM Phil Emery added to the depth of the position. Both are different types of players, but Bennett should be able to slide right back in and keep the offense rolling. While Alshon was working primarily outside, Earl is more a classic slot receiver, but he does know all 3 WR positions.
They also talk about Bennett's rapport with Jay Cutler, going back to last season. Bennett became a big part of the Bears offense down the stretch in 2011, and though he does things differently than Jeffery, who's size has placed him firmly as the No. 2 receiver thanks to his ability to go outside, Bennett should fit in nicely as a tough, reliable target for Cutler as the offense continues to grow.