Alshon Jeffery Injury: Updates on Bears Star’s Shoulder, Groin and Return
Published by Tyler Conway on November 18, 2015
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery is dealing with a shoulder injury on top of the groin problem he picked up in practice early in November. It’s unclear if he will be able to play against the Green Bay Packers in Week 12.
Continue for updates.
Latest on Jeffery’s Playing Status
Tuesday, Nov. 24
Jeffery is expected to play on Thursday, per Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Latest on Jeffery’s Practice Status
Tuesday, Nov. 24
Jahns reported Jeffery was limited at practice.
How Jeffery’s Injury Impacts Bears
Although Jeffery fought through his groin problem in the team’s win over the St. Louis Rams in Week 10, he managed only three receptions for 23 yards after averaging well over 100 yards in his prior three games.
Jeffery’s 2015 campaign, his fourth in the NFL, has been mired with injuries. He strained a calf during training camp and missed a month of regular-season action with a hamstring problem.
When Jeffery has been on the field, he’s been one of the best receivers in football. The 25-year-old has 36 receptions for 515 yards in only five games, and the Bears have looked a vastly different offense when quarterback Jay Cutler has a top option at his disposal.
The offseason departure of Brandon Marshall made Jeffery’s presence all the more needed, as neither Marquess Wilson nor Eddie Royal has been able to produce much from the second wide receiver spot.
“It does open up things down the field,” offensive coordinator Adam Gase said of having Jeffery, per Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune. “He can make unscheduled plays, and Jay can make unscheduled plays with him. That does help us shorten drives.”
Fingers are obviously crossed in Chicago that this is a short-term ailment. The team’s fortunes have changed drastically over the past month or so, as the Bears have gone 4-2 in their past six games and are in the NFC playoff picture.
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