Chicago Bears wide receiver Tyler Scott entered the league to little fanfare.
The Bears selected Scott in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He was part of an unproven wide receiver room ? outside of DJ Moore, of course, ? as a rookie. This offseason brought a significant shift, with Keenan Allen (free agency) and Rome Odunze (draft) added to the mix.
That slid Scott down to WR4 on the depth chart, a move that left him inactive for the Bears? regular-season opener versus the Tennessee Titans.
Now, an injury to Odunze has Scott poised to be WR3.
Tyler Scott in Familiar Spot Amid Bears? Wide Receiver Injuries
Bears Could Need Tyler Scott in Week 2
?I’ve kind of been in this territory already so um the biggest thing you can do is just stay prepared, which is what I’ve been doing. A lot more relaxed this year than I had been last year probably in this situation where I was like, alright, a lot more nervous and tensed up and things of that nature. But this year having a year under my belt, playing all 17 games last year, I feel like my preparation is even better than it was last year. So I feel pretty good about it and I’m excited.?
Scott said ahead of Thursday?s practice that he stayed mentally locked in despite being inactive in Week 1. He is ready, though. He spoke with Clocker Sports ahead of Week 1 about still being a part of the gameplan despite a reduced role during the preseason.
Those reps could pay off in a big way for Scott if he is called upon to help fill the void for Odunze and/or Allen.
?That’s huge. That just speaks to the importance of each day. Each day is intentional and important through camp because it’s always ? it’s building towards a bigger picture. And things like this happen where guys are going to go down in the season, you have to call guys up from P[ractice] Squad you’re going to rely on your backups. That’s the NFL. Guys are going to get hurt and things are just going to happen.
?That’s why having those reps and being intentional when you’re in there and not just, ?I’m just out here.? But taking each rep series in the preseason and during walkthroughs and when things are a lot less intense. That’s why it’s so important, because then you might have to get your number called and it’s go time.?
Scott spoke about trying to envision how his preparation would translate during Week 1.
He also spoke to the differences in going into a game to replace someone cold versus after a week of preparation, as he and DeAndre Carter will have leading up to Sunday night if Allen and Odunze miss the game.
The biggest difference will come in the level of opponent they are facing.
Houston a Different Level of Opponent for Bears
The Titans revamped their roster during the offseason with the arrival of a new coaching staff. Houston, meanwhile, is in its second season under DeMeco Ryans who guided the Texans to the playoffs in 2023. They are also boosted their pass rush, adding former Minnesota Vikings star Danielle Hunter.
He and 2023 first-round pick Will Anderson form a formidable duo on paper, and the Bears had issues keeping the pocket clean for Caleb Williams in Week 1.
?Last week going against a new defensive coordinator who had never called plays, had bounced around a little bit different teams. They also brought in new guys, two new corners. Safeties as well, so you’re looking at a team that had no real chemistry together,? Scott said.
?But then having a week of preparation under your belt for a team that you know it’s not going to do anything drastically out of their character from what they shown in Week 1; I wouldn’t think at least. Houston is pretty base[-heavy] defense all around. They pretty much going to line up, pretty much show you what they’re going to do. They’ll try to disguise. For the most part, they just kind of line up and go.?
Houston blitzed a league-low 8.3% of the time in Week 1, per Pro Football Reference.
Scott also noted the existing film on Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans. The Bears did not have that luxury against the Titans and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson.
?DeMeco Ryans, second year as head coach, and he?s calling defense,? Scott said. ?Kind of have his tendencies, what he likes to do. [Ryan?s 2023 film is] just much of a better help to look at this year and to prepare for next week.?
Sources told Clocker Sports that Allen and Odunze are not considered long-term issues. That is good news for the Bears but it also means Scott is on borrowed playing time. The Bears could also call up 6-foot-6 wideout Collin Johnson or fellow practice squadder Samori Toure.
They could even use converted running back Velus Jones in his natural position.