The Chicago Bears were bitten hard by the injury bug in 2013, and unfortunately for the team’s offense, things are starting out on a similar note in training camp as wide receiver Marquess Wilson suffered a fractured clavicle during Monday’s practice in Bourbonnais.
The receiver, who was listed as Brandon Marshall’s back-up on the first depth chart of the preseason over the weekend, was running a deep route up the left sideline when he dove for a ball thrown by quarterback Jay Cutler.
He ended up landing awkwardly on the dive, driving into the turf with his right shoulder and landing on the ball. He slowly limped back from the end zone and was examined by trainers for a brief time before being carted off the field.
Head coach Marc Trestman declined to give a timetable for Wilson’s return to the field but did stress how impressed the coaching staff had been with his play early on in camp.
“He was continuing to ascend, but that’s football unfortunately,” he said when addressing the media after practice. “We’ll just pray for his recovery as soon as he gets things done, but let’s let this simmer and respect what’s happened here. I know the next question is what comes next for him, and I think there will be a time and a place for that.”
Wilson wasn’t the only player to get banged up during the practice, as Lance Briggs got tangled up during 11-on-11 drills and limped back to the huddle after the play concluded. His condition isn’t serious however, and any absence would be short.
As for what the Wilson injury means to the Bears, several players will find themselves vying for a spot in the starting lineup at the third wide receiver slot.
Chris Williams has impressed many folks in camp with his speed and his hands, and special teams ace Eric Weems has also shown some great strength and speed at receiver. Josh Morgan is also still in the mix, and at 6-foot-1 is a taller option more similar to Wilson than the other two receivers, who both stand at 5-foot-9.
