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  Browns | Earl Bennett released    Tue Jun 17, 05:42 PM

The Cleveland Browns released WR Earl Bennett Tuesday, June 17.

Footballguys view: Bennett was once ticketed for a nice role after getting an extension from the Bears, who also had his college QB, Jay Cutler. Lasting for only a handful of weeks with a team as wide receiver as the Browns is a terrible sign for his future.

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Earl Bennett player page


  Browns | Earl Bennett contract details    Thu May 22, 03:31 PM

Updating a previous report, Cleveland Browns WR Earl Bennett agreed to a minimum salary benefit deal.

Footballguys view: Bennett was never terribly special in Chicago, but he won't be buried as far down the depth chart as he was with the Bears either. That said, Bennett won't likely put up huge numbers. Expect him to put up some WR3/4 numbers, not much more.

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Earl Bennett player page


  Browns | Earl Bennett deal update    Wed May 21, 01:49 PM

Updating a previous report, Cleveland Browns WR Earl Bennett's one-year deal is worth $730,000 and includes $75,000 guaranteed. His cap figure is $570,000 based on the minimum salary benefit rule.

Footballguys view: Bennett got a nice deal from the Bears a few years back, but couldn't really generate momentum despite being with his college quarterback, Jay Cutler. He'll be in a fight to make the team in Cleveland.

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Earl Bennett player page


  Browns | Sign Earl Bennett    Thu May 15, 05:10 PM

Updating a previous report, the Cleveland Browns signed WR Earl Bennett (Bears) to an undisclosed contract.

Footballguys view: The Browns are desperate for receivers and Bennett hasn't really put up anything like big or consistent numbers. That being said, with Josh Gordon likely suspended for the season and Nate Burleson dealing with a broken arm, there is room for him to prove everyone wrong. Who the quarterback is - and how good they played - will factor in the success or failure as well.

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Earl Bennett player page


  Browns | Earl Bennett to sign    Thu May 15, 09:32 AM

The Cleveland Browns plan to sign free-agent WR Earl Bennett (Bears).

Footballguys view: The Browns are desperate for receivers and Bennett hasn't really put up anything like big or consistent numbers. That said with Josh Gordon likely suspended for the season and Nate Burleson dealing with a broken arm, there is room for him to prove everyone wrong. Who the quarterback is - and how good they played - will factor in the success or failure as well.

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Earl Bennett player page


  Bears | Earl Bennett officially cut    Tue Mar 18, 04:56 PM

The Chicago Bears officially released WR Earl Bennett Tuesday, March 18.

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Earl Bennett player page

  Bears | Expected to release Earl Bennett    Tue Mar 18, 01:48 PM

Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett declined a pay cut and is expected to be released by the team.

Footballguys view: Zero surprise here. Bennett has never really "wowed" as a pro, and the team could save over $2 million with his release. A player with plenty of "wow" factor is second-year pro Marquess Wilson. His speed and ball-tracking ability could be dangerous behind Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery.

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Earl Bennett player page


  Bears | Marquess Wilson could have bigger role    Sat Feb 8, 11:21 AM

Chicago Bears WR Marquess Wilson is expected to receive the opportunity to compete for more playing time next season. Wilson likely will need to light it up during training camp if he wants to move above WR Earl Bennett on the depth chart.

Footballguys view: Fantasy owners need to keep an eye on the Wilson situation. He's got incredible speed, and he can get on top of a defense in a hurry. Wilson has great upside, and he needs to be on your dynasty radar if not on your roster.

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Earl Bennett player page
Marquess Wilson player page


  Bears | Earl Bennett could be asked to take pay cut    Wed Jan 22, 04:52 PM

The Chicago Bears may ask WR Earl Bennett to take a pay cut this offseason, because he is scheduled to have a $2.45 million salary cap figure next season. Bennett agreed to take a pay cut last offseason.

Footballguys view: Zero surprise here. Bennett is unlikely to remain with the team at his current cap number. We'll see if he's open to restructuring his deal.

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Earl Bennett player page


  Bears | Earl Bennett not expected to play    Sun Dec 29, 01:19 PM

Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett (personal) is not expected to play Week 17 because he did not participate in practice this week.

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Earl Bennett player page

  Bears | Friday injury report for Week 17    Fri Dec 27, 04:40 PM

Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett (non-injury) did not practice Friday, Dec. 17 and is questionable for Week 17. LB Lance Briggs (shoulder) fully practiced and is probable.

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Lance Briggs player page
Earl Bennett player page

  Bears | Thursday practice report for Week 17    Thu Dec 26, 04:52 PM

Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett (non-injury) did not practice Thursday, Dec. 26, while LB Lance Briggs (shoulder) practiced in full.

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Lance Briggs player page
Earl Bennett player page

  Bears | Wednesday practice report for Week 17    Wed Dec 25, 05:18 PM

Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett (non-injury) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 25. LB Lance Briggs (shoulder) fully practiced. The team did not practice, but the NFL makes teams release a Wednesday injury report, so this is an estimation.

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Lance Briggs player page
Earl Bennett player page

  Bears | Friday injury report for Week 16     Fri Dec 20, 06:38 PM

Chicago Bears LB Lance Briggs (shoulder) fully participated in practice Friday, Dec. 20, and is listed as questionable for Week 16. WR Earl Bennett (non-injury) did not participate in practice but is listed as probable.

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Lance Briggs player page
Earl Bennett player page

  Bears | Earl Bennett nearing pay day    Wed Dec 18, 09:09 AM

Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett can earn back all of his $1 million pay cut with 10 more catches this season. He earned $500,000 with his 30th catch in Week 15 and can earn the other $500,000 if he reaches 40 catches.

Footballguys view: It's no sure thing as he's averaged just a pair of catches a game. Last week's four catches was his second highest total of the season. We wish him luck over the next two weeks but it will be tight.

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Earl Bennett player page


  Bears | Earl Bennett restructures    Fri Sep 6, 11:45 AM

The Chicago Bears restructured WR Earl Bennett's contract. His salary was cut from $2.25 million to $1.25 million. The team saved $1 million in cap space. Bennett can earn the $1 million in incentives based on receptions.

Footballguys view: Bennett had promise earlier in his career when the Bears signed him to an extension, but this is a clear sign that his value is diminishing.

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Earl Bennett player page


  Bears | Earl Bennett plans to play    Thu Sep 5, 02:06 PM

Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett said he plans to play Week 1 after missing some time in the preseason because of a concussion.

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Earl Bennett player page

  Bears | Unlikely to move Earl Bennett now    Wed Aug 28, 04:33 PM

Updating a previous report, the Chicago Bears likely would not be able to trade WR Earl Bennett (concussion) at this point because he is still recovering from a concussion he suffered earlier this month.

Footballguys view: We can't imagine the market would be white hot for Bennett's services if he was fully healthy. Bennett is a career underachiever who may have lost the WR3 job to rookie Marquess Wilson.

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Earl Bennett player page


  Bears | Could move Earl Bennett    Wed Aug 28, 03:24 PM

The Chicago Bears have had talks about the possibility of trading WR Earl Bennett.

Footballguys view: Bennett has been slowed down by a concussion he suffered earlier in the month. He's close to returning and it's doubtful the Bears find much interest for the career underachiever. Rookie Marquess Wilson (Washington State) should be the team's third WR behind Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery.

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Earl Bennett player page


  Bears | Earl Bennett making progress    Wed Aug 28, 01:19 PM

Chicago Bears head coach Marc Trestman said WR Earl Bennett (concussion) is making progress in his recovery from a concussion. Bennett was running routes and catching passes during practice Wednesday, Aug. 28.

Footballguys view: Bennett will have to pass the NFL's protocol for concussions before returning to game action. He's competing for the team's WR3 spot with rookie Marquess Wilson (Washington State).

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Earl Bennett player page


  Bears | Two still working through concussion protocol    Tue Aug 27, 12:53 AM

Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett (concussion) and DT Henry Melton (concussion) remained sidelined for practice Monday, Aug. 26, as they continue to take steps of the concussion protocol to return to the field.

Footballguys view: The two veterans will have to pass the protocol before returning to the practice field. With Bennett out it's opening the door for rookie WR Marquess Wilson (Washington State). We like Wilson's deep speed and ability to track long passes.

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Earl Bennett player page
Henry Melton player page


  Bears | Earl Bennett, Henry Melton to miss preseason game    Wed Aug 21, 07:18 PM

Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett (concussion) and DT Henry Melton (concussion) will both miss the team's next preseason game and are being closely monitored from their concussions. Neither player has been practicing, either.

Footballguys view: Both will have to pass the new NFL protocol for concussions before returning to the football field. Bennett is trying to secure the position of WR3 behind Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. Rookie Marquess Wilson (Washington State) is Bennett's main competitor for that job.

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Earl Bennett player page
Henry Melton player page


  Bears | Several missing from practice    Tue Aug 20, 12:29 PM

Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett (concussion), QB Matt Blanchard (hand), DT Corvey Irvin (ankle), LS Patrick Mannelly (rib), DT Henry Melton (concussion), DE Cheta Ozougwu (hamstring)and FB Harvey Unga (rib) each missed practice Monday, Aug. 19.

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Earl Bennett player page
Corvey Irvin player page
Henry Melton player page
Harvey Unga player page
Cheta Ozougwu player page

  Bears | Five miss practice, one returns    Mon Aug 12, 10:38 AM

Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett (concussion), LB D.J. Williams (calf), RB Armando Allen (undisclosed), OT Jonathan Scott (knee) and RB Harvey Unga (ribs) are out of practice Monday, Aug. 12. WR Joe Anderson (shoulder) returned to practice.

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D.J. Williams player page
Earl Bennett player page
Harvey Unga player page
Armando Allen player page
Joe Anderson player page

  Bears | Earl Bennett still dealing with concussion    Sun Aug 11, 08:04 PM

Chicago Bears head coach Marc Trestman said Sunday, Aug. 11, that WR Earl Bennett (concussion) is still dealing with a concussion, and the symptoms are 'lingering.' Trestman said Bennett is considered day to day, and the receiver spent the week at home.

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Earl Bennett player page

  Bears | Two ruled out for preseason game    Thu Aug 8, 03:49 PM

Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett (concussion) and LB D.J. Williams (calf) will not play in the first preseason game because of injuries.

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D.J. Williams player page
Earl Bennett player page

  Bears | Four sitting    Wed Aug 7, 10:23 AM

Chicago Bears LB D.J. Williams (calf), WR Earl Bennett (head), OT Jonathan Scott (knee) and CB Kelvin Hayden (hamstring) are out of practice Wednesday, Aug. 7.

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D.J. Williams player page
Kelvin Hayden player page
Earl Bennett player page

  Bears | Two out    Tue Aug 6, 10:14 AM

Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett (head) and CB Kelvin Hayden (hamstring) are out of practice Tuesday, Aug. 6.

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Kelvin Hayden player page
Earl Bennett player page

  Bears | Earl Bennett may have concussion    Sat Aug 3, 10:05 PM

Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett (head) is being evaluated for a possible concussion.

Footballguys view: Bennett was sidelined for multiple weeks with a concussion last December, so this is worrisome. Look for the Bears to pick up a veteran free agent or two like the 49ers did earlier this week. Seventh-round pick Marquess Wilson could be thrust into the third wide receiver role in the meantime. Martellus Bennett could be a more prominent target in this offense if the Bears lack an accomplished #3 receiver.

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Earl Bennett player page


  Bears | Three locks at WR, open after that    Tue Jul 23, 11:18 AM

Chicago Bears WRs Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Earl Bennett are locks for the 53-man roster, but after that it is wide open. WRs Joe Anderson and Eric Weems might lock up a fourth receiver job, and could be battling each other since they are each solid on special teams. WR Devin Aromashodu is in the mix for a job, and then there is seventh-round pick Marquess Wilson and WR Devin Hester, who is more known for his prowess as a return man. The team is likely to keep five receivers plus Hester.

Footballguys view: We like Wilson in this competition for the final spot on the depth chart. Wilson is a dangerous playmaker downfield who has excellent body control. He's got the size (6'2") to be a factor in the red zone as well. Problems with the coaching staff at Washington State caused him to quit the team in 2012. This made his stock tumble to the seventh-round of the 2013 NFL draft.

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Devin Hester player page
Devin Aromashodu player page
Brandon Marshall player page
Eric Weems player page
Earl Bennett player page
Alshon Jeffery player page
Joe Anderson player page
Marquess Wilson player page


  Bears | Brandon Marshall hopes TE opens pass game    Wed Jul 17, 10:09 PM

Chicago Bears WR Brandon Marshall said Tuesday, July 16, that he hopes the offseason addition of TE Martellus Bennett will take some of the receiving pressure off him. Marshall had career highs with 118 receptions, 194 targets and 1,508 yards. The Bears receiver with the next highest number of targets was WR Earl Bennett, with 49. Marshall feels the wear and tear might have led to his offseason hip surgery. 'I am (looking forward to having more weapons),' Marshall said. 'It was tough sledding last year. I think that's why I had to have surgery. I had 2-3 guys on me every single play, but bringing in big boy Martellus, I don't think the league really knows how good he is.'

Footballguys view: We think Bennett will be a great help for the Bears passing game. He'll be able to exploit mismatches and should become a favorite target for QB Jay Cutler. With improved weapons, a better offensive line, and a more creative offense we feel the Bears will have one of the most exciting offenses in the league.

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Brandon Marshall player page
Martellus Bennett player page
Earl Bennett player page


  Bears | Devin Hester competing    Mon Jun 17, 11:06 AM

Chicago Bears KR Devin Hester is competing to keep his job as the primary kick returner. WR Earl Bennett is also fielding kicks, and at age 31, Hester could become a salary cap casualty.

Footballguys view: We doubt Bennett beats out Hester for that position. The team has moved Hester out of the mix at WR so he can focus solely on being a return man. Hester has a $2.9MM cap number this year. There's only $833k of dead money in that contract, so if the team cut Hester they would save $2.1MM.

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Devin Hester player page
Earl Bennett player page


  Bears | Could be in the market for a wide receiver    Fri Feb 1, 02:59 PM

The Chicago Bears could be in the market for a free-agent wide receiver with injury concerns to WR's Earl Bennett and Alshon Jeffery. Among the veteran wide receivers Jeff Darlington of ESPN Chicago says could be available this year in free agency are Mike Wallace of the Steelers, Dwayne Bowe of the Chiefs, Wes Welker of the Patriots, Danny Amendola of the Rams, Julian Edelman of the Patriots, Brandon Gibson of the Rams, Greg Jennings of the Packers, Brandon Stokley of the Broncos, Donnie Avery of the Colts, Randy Moss of the 49ers, Domenik Hixon of the Giants and Brian Hartline of the Dolphins.

Footballguys view: The Bears should certainly be looking for more help in the passing game. Jeffery has huge upside but the team lacks weapons behind him on the depth chart. The free agent market is strong at the WR position and this might be the best WR draft class we've seen in 10 years.

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Brandon Stokley player page
Randy Moss player page
Wes Welker player page
Greg Jennings player page
Domenik Hixon player page
Dwayne Bowe player page
Brian Hartline player page
Donnie Avery player page
Earl Bennett player page
Danny Amendola player page
Brandon Gibson player page
Mike Wallace player page
Julian Edelman player page
Alshon Jeffery player page


  Bears | Earl Bennett finds end zone     Sun Dec 30, 04:47 PM

Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett caught five passes for 109 yards and one touchdown against the Detroit Lions in Week 17.

Footballguys view: Bennett has been banged up all season, but he flashed good speed on his 60-yard catch and run score. He's still only 25 years old, so it's too early to completely give up on him in deep dynasty leagues.

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Earl Bennett player page


  Bears | Four questionable    Fri Dec 21, 05:12 PM

Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett (concussion), LB Blake Costanzo (calf), CB Tim Jennings (shoulder) and OT Jonathan Scott (hamstring) are questionable for Week 16. Costanzo did not practice Friday, Dec. 21, while the others were limited.

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Tim Jennings player page
Blake Costanzo player page
Earl Bennett player page

  Bears | Six limited    Thu Dec 20, 05:30 PM

Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett (concussion), LB Blake Costanzo (calf), LB Geno Hayes (knee), CB Tim Jennings (shoulder), DE Shea McClellin (knee) and DT Henry Melton (chest) were limited in practice Thursday, Dec. 20.

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Tim Jennings player page
Blake Costanzo player page
Geno Hayes player page
Earl Bennett player page
Henry Melton player page
Shea McClellin player page

  Bears | Five players limited during practice     Wed Dec 19, 05:59 PM

Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett (concussion), DE Shea McClellin (knee), DT Henry Melton (chest), LB Geno Hayes (knee) and CB Tim Jennings (shoulder) were limited during practice Wednesday, Dec. 19.

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Tim Jennings player page
Geno Hayes player page
Earl Bennett player page
Henry Melton player page
Shea McClellin player page

  Bears | Earl Bennett expected to play in Week 16    Tue Dec 18, 10:24 PM

Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett (concussion) is expected to return to the lineup in Week 16 against the Arizona Cardinals barring an unforeseen setback this week, according to a league source.

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Earl Bennett player page

  Bears | Week 15 Inactives    Sun Dec 16, 11:47 AM

The Chicago Bears have declared LB Brian Urlacher, WR Earl Bennett, LB Geno Hayes, DL Henry Melton, QB Josh McCown, DL Shea McClellin, CB Tim Jennings inactive for Week 15.

Footballguys view: The Bears are without starters at every level of their defense, so Aaron Rodgers job is a little easier today.

Josh McCown player page
Brian Urlacher player page
Tim Jennings player page
Geno Hayes player page
Earl Bennett player page
Henry Melton player page
Shea McClellin player page


  Bears | Three ruled out    Fri Dec 14, 04:59 PM

Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett (concussion), CB Tim Jennings (shoulder) and LB Brian Urlacher (hamstring) did not practice Friday, Dec. 14, and are out for Week 15.

Footballguys view: The Bears defense is missing two of their top performers, which makes Aaron Rodgers' job easier. If you were doubting whether to start Rodgers and needed a reason to play him, let those absences give you the nudge to do it.

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Brian Urlacher player page
Tim Jennings player page
Earl Bennett player page


  Bears | Six miss practice    Thu Dec 13, 06:30 PM

Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett (concussion), RB Michael Bush (ribs), CB Tim Jennings (shoulder), DE Shea McClellin (knee), DT Henry Melton (chest) and LB Brian Urlacher (hamstring) did not practice Thursday, Dec. 13.

Footballguys view: With Bush banged up there's a chance he won't play on Sunday against the Packers. That would lead to more touches (and all important goalline touches) for starter Matt Forte.

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Brian Urlacher player page
Michael Bush player page
Tim Jennings player page
Earl Bennett player page
Henry Melton player page
Shea McClellin player page


  Bears | 10 miss practice    Wed Dec 12, 04:29 PM

Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett (concussion), LB Lance Briggs (knee, hip), RB Michael Bush (ribs), TE Kellen Davis (knee), LB Geno Hayes (knee), CB Tim Jennings (shoulder), DE Shea McClellin (knee), DT Henry Melton (chest), OT Jonathan Scott (shoulder) and LB Brian Urlacher (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday, Dec. 12. However, the Bears did not actually practice, so the practice report is an estimation.

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Brian Urlacher player page
Lance Briggs player page
Michael Bush player page
Tim Jennings player page
Geno Hayes player page
Earl Bennett player page
Kellen Davis player page
Henry Melton player page
Shea McClellin player page

  Bears | Week 14 Inactives    Sun Dec 9, 11:48 AM

The Chicago Bears have declared LB Brian Urlacher, OG Chris Spencer, WR Dane Sanzenbacher, WR Earl Bennett, QB Josh McCown, DL Stephen Paea, CB Tim Jennings inactive for Week 14.

Footballguys view: Alshon Jeffery is back for the Bears and should be a solid secondary target for Jay Cutler today against the Vikings.

Josh McCown player page
Brian Urlacher player page
Tim Jennings player page
Earl Bennett player page
Stephen Paea player page
Dane Sanzenbacher player page


  Bears | Three out    Fri Dec 7, 03:24 PM

Chicago Bears LB Brian Urlacher (hamstring), CB Tim Jennings (shoulder) and WR Earl Bennett (concussion) are out in Week 14.

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Brian Urlacher player page
Tim Jennings player page
Earl Bennett player page

  Bears | Earl Bennett ruled out    Thu Dec 6, 06:24 PM

Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett (concussion) has been ruled out for Week 14.

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Earl Bennett player page

  Bears | Four miss practice    Wed Dec 5, 07:05 PM

Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett (concussion), RB Michael Bush (ribs), CB Tim Jennings (shoulder) and DT Stephen Paea (foot) did not practice Wednesday, Dec. 5.

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Michael Bush player page
Tim Jennings player page
Earl Bennett player page
Stephen Paea player page

  Bears | Earl Bennett not expected to play     Wed Dec 5, 01:37 PM

Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett (concussion) is not expected to play Week 14 because of the concussion he suffered in Week 13.

Footballguys view: Multiple sources tell ESPN Chicago that Alshon Jeffery (knee) remains "on track" to return this week. The Bears will go to the rookie as the second option in the passing game if he's able to play. Devin Hester is nursing a concussion right now as well.

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Earl Bennett player page


  Bears | Not planning to add WR    Tue Dec 4, 01:45 PM

Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith said the team is not considering signing a wide receiver due to the injuries to WRs Alshon Jeffery (knee), Devin Hester (concussion) and Earl Bennett (concussion). WR Brandon Marshall was supporting the idea that the club should go out and sign a veteran wideout such as WR Mike Sims-Walker (Jaguars).

Footballguys view: Sims-Walker and Marshall were college teammates at Central Florida so it's not surprising he would endorse that move. Looks like the Bears will hold off on any additions at the WR position for now.

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Devin Hester player page
Brandon Marshall player page
Mike Sims-Walker player page
Earl Bennett player page
Alshon Jeffery player page


  Bears | Earl Bennett injured     Sun Dec 2, 03:24 PM

Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett (concussion) left early Week 13 because of a concussion and will not return.

Footballguys view: The Bears are down to three wide receivers, but Cutler has really only needed one all season - Brandon Marshall.

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Earl Bennett player page


  Bears | Brandon Marshall targeted frequently     Wed Nov 28, 10:35 AM

Chicago Bears WR Brandon Marshall has been targeted 121 times this season, third-most in the NFL. Marshall has been the target of 36.9 percent of the team's passes. The differential between Marshall and the Bears' next-most targeted receiver, WR Earl Bennett, is 82 passes.

Footballguys view: No surprise here. QB Jay Cutler force fed Marshall the ball when the two played in Denver, and that's the same thing that's happening this year. Fantasy owners are loving the number of targets he gets.

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Brandon Marshall player page
Earl Bennett player page