Rookie wide receiver Alshon Jeffery has been very impressive so far this season.
He’s reeled in 14 catches for 184 yards and two touchdowns playing opposite of Brandon Marshall.
Unfortunately, it looks like he will be out an extensive period of time.
The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that Jeffery suffered a fractured right hand in Sunday’s game against Jacksonville. He will likely miss roughly four to six weeks, but he won’t need surgery.
He reeled in a touchdown in the fourth quarter on Sunday that put the Bears up 20-3 and sat out the rest of the game after that.
It isn’t known if he suffered the injury on that touchdown catch or it happened earlier in the game. Either way the Bears will miss Jeffery’s size and production on offense.
With Jeffery out, Marshall will be keyed in on by defenses much more now. That could certainly make things tough for Jay Cutler and Co.
Earl Bennett has been battling hand issues, but should be back for Week Seven when the Bears host Detroit on Monday Night Football. He will be an integral part of the offense moving forward.
Devin Hester has been making big plays the last two weeks and should see more playing time with Jeffery out.
Dane Sanzenbacher caught his first pass of the season last week. Even though it was just a seven-yard reception, Sanzenbacher made a nice catch. He should be ready to fill in nicely.
Eric Weems hasn’t reeled in a catch this season as he has been used exclusively on special teams. He might get a few opportunities now that Jeffery is out of the lineup.
The guy that could surprise everyone is undrafted rookie Joe Anderson. He had a great training camp with the Bears. He was stashed away on the practice squad and now it looks like the Bears will be promoting him to the active roster.
It could take him a few weeks to really get comfortable in the offense, but because of his size, 6’1″ and his speed he could be used sooner rather than later.
Jake Perper is the owner and head writer for Bearsbacker.com. Follow him on Twitter, @Bearsbacker and on Facebook for up to the minute news about the Bears.
