Cedric Benson Now #1 On Chicago's RB Depth Chart

[Hache Man]

Thomas Jones - RB - Bears

Bears placed RB Thomas Jones (hamstring strain) on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list.

This explains why Jones wasn't in pads Thursday. Now listed behind Cedric Benson on the Bears' depth chart, Jones likely has a long road ahead of him to retake the starting job. Being injured certainly reduces his chances early. Jones can be activated at any time during camp but there is no timetable for his return. Jul. 27 - 4:02 p.m. ET

[Hache Man]

Thomas Jones - RB - Bears

NFL Network's Adam Shefter reports Thomas Jones pulled a hamstring during his physical.

Jones apparently "tweaked" the hammy during some agility drills. Shefter implied Jones' contract could have been the real cause of the injury. Either way, it won't improve Jones' standing with the Chicago coaching staff. Jul. 27 - 8:03 p.m. ET

[Hache Man]

Cedric Benson - RB - Bears

Cedric Benson has reportedly been impressive catching passes in early camp work.

The pass game has been Benson's downfall and one of the reasons Thomas Jones would have a chance to beat out the former No. 4 pick. If Benson can excel on all downs, Jones' climb will be that much tougher. Aug. 1 - 4:53 p.m. ET

Source: chicagobears.com

[SlackerCSB]

Seems like Jones is getting the shaft here...

[Hache Man]

From what I've read Slacker it has a lot to do with Benson being just as good a runner, but a better receiver out of the backfield that is making the difference.......

[Bensonville]

Go Benson!

[Romanowski]

Hache I think it has more to do with Benson's contract.

[Hache Man]

I believe that as well Roman.

But I have read a couple of times now that they really like using him out of the backfield and is much better than Jones when it comes to that.

Lots of interesting things with teams & players this season, that's for sure....

[Hache Man]

Cedric Benson - RB - Bears

Cedric Benson's shoulder was reportedly temporarily dislocated.

The shoulder is thought to have popped out of its joint for a second, then quickly popped back into place. Benson will probably only miss two-to-three weeks of practice, but shoulder dislocations like this one have a tendency to re-appear. Aug. 7 - 9:32 a.m. ET

Source: Chicago Sun Times

[Hache Man]

Cedric Benson - RB - Bears

A source close to Cedric Benson told the Chicago Sun-Times that Benson's MRI revealed no further damage.

The dislocation should keep Benson out only 2-3 weeks. Thomas Jones is likely to come back in the meantime, so Benson will have to come back strong to have a chance to start before Week 1. Aug. 8 - 9:12 a.m. ET

Source: Chicago Sun Times

[canabiz]

Good 1-2 punch for Da Bears

Now only if the real Rex Grossman can step up!

[Btwizzy]

I agree with Jones getting the shaft, no way Benson is a better NFL running back at this stage.

[Hache Man]

Cedric Benson - RB - Bears

Cedric Benson is no longer wearing a sling on his shoulder and is now doing some lifting.

Chicago hasn't updated his timetable to return, which initially had him returning in another week or two. "I'd say it's my call [when I am ready]," Benson said. Thomas Jones hasn't returned to the field either, which will help Benson's chances for keeping the starting job when he returns. Aug. 14 - 9:04 a.m. ET

Source: Chicago Sun Times

[Hache Man]

Cedric Benson - RB - Bears

Cedric Benson was turned in by his teammates for leaving the sidelines of a preseason game and skipping a mandatory post-game meeting.

The perception in Chicago is that the veterans want Thomas Jones, not Benson, to be the team's starter. Jones is back working in full contact work, with Benson not yet ready. Benson also took a subtle dig at some of Thomas Jones' recent public statements. Aug. 22 - 12:05 p.m. ET

Source: Chicago Sun Times

[Jagermeister]

Lot of talk in Chicago that T Jones leaked the story to the press.

[Hache Man]

Yeah, looking more and more like Jones will win the starting job back......

[d ray]

I'm a bears fan, so i'll just throw my opinion out there. Jones is better, look what he did last year, but Benson was a top 5 pick and they need to see what they got. Especially since the defense carries them anyway, 12-4 without an offense last year. And if grossman can't do it, at least they finally have a quality backup that probably gives them a better chance to win anyway. The Bears are going with rex and cedric based on future and potential and i agree with both. That being said its nice to have 2 guys like Jones and Griese backing up. And its not like benson and jones wont be splitting time anyway, they'll both get close to the same amount of carries depending on game situations. Now if they can both just get healthy.

[Hache Man]

Thanks for the info dray

[d ray]

It;s just my opinion, I'm no expert. But i do follow the Bears quite closely.

[Hache Man]

Thomas Jones - RB - Bears

Thomas Jones will start Chicago's preseason game this weekend.

Cedric Benson is unlikely to play, and is questinable for the team's final preseason game. Jones looks like the favorite to win the Week 1 starting job, but Benson will have plenty of work during the season if he can get healthy. Aug. 23 - 4:03 p.m. ET