Alshon Jeffery Injury: Updates on Bears WR’s Hand
Published by Ian Hanford on October 7, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Alshon Jeffery gave the Chicago Bears a 20-3 lead in the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, but that catch also sent Jeffery to the team’s trainers.
UPDATE: Monday, Oct. 8 at 5:50 p.m. ET by Ben Chodos
The latest update on wide receiver Chicago Alshon Jeffrey’s injured hand is not promising.
The Chicago Sun-Times’ Sean Jensen reported the following on Jeffrey’s condition:
#Bears rookie WR Alshon Jeffery could miss 4-6 weeks with a fracture in his right hand, according to league source.
— Sean Jensen (@seankjensen) Oct. 8, 2012
This is an abrupt change from the previous thoughts on the seriousness of the injury, and the Bears offense will miss his presence in the passing game.
—End of update—
UPDATE: Sunday, Oct. 7 at 11:48 p.m. ET by Tim Keeney
According to ESPN’s Michael C. Wright, Alshon Jeffery’s injury isn’t as serious as the Bears initially thought:
Not serious Im told. They were worried at first though. RT @armyag3: @mikecwright any word on Alshon Jeffery’s hand yet?
— Michael C. Wright (@mikecwright) Oct. 8, 2012
Great news for Bears fans, as Jeffery is one of the league’s best rookie receivers and without a doubt gives this offense a solid boost.
We’ll be sure to keep you updated as more becomes known.
—End of update—
According to Chicago Sun-Times reporter Adam Jahns, Jeffery will not return:
Alshon Jeffery is out with a hand injury and will not return for the #Bears.
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) Oct. 7, 2012
The touchdown catch was Jeffery’s second grab of the day, putting him at 20 yards overall.
Jeffery has gotten off to a reasonably good start in his first NFL season. Coming into Sunday’s game, the 6’3” target had 12 catches for 164 yards and one score.
His size gives the Bears two major matchup issues on the outside, with Pro Bowl talent Brandon Marshall being the other. Jeffery’s raw, but his size and athleticism are intriguing as soon as he touches the ball.
Losing Jeffery for any length of time would damage a Bears passing attack that currently ranks 25th in the league. It wouldn’t be a devastating blow, but they don’t have a plethora of options to work with down the field.
If Jeffery is out, Devin Hester, Dane Sanzenbacher and Chicago’s group of tight ends will have to take on a little more responsibility. It’s not the same as losing Marshall, but any blow is tough for a team that lacks vertical weapons.
If you own Jeffery in your fantasy football league, chances are he rides your bench most weeks. This shouldn’t impact you, but you may want to keep an eye on the severity in case you want to make a waiver-wire switch.
There are worse players to lose, but Jeffery was improving every week.
Keep an eye out for more updates concerning the status of the Bears rookie.
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