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Veteran castoffs. Hungry youngsters. Now a slew of injuries. Sorting through the Chicago Bears’ patched-together receiving corps.

  • Punter Trenton Gill practices Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Punter Trenton Gill practices Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Receiver Dazz Newsome practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Receiver Dazz Newsome practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad (55) stretches Aug. 2, 2022, during...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad (55) stretches Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Running back David Montgomery practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Running back David Montgomery practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Wide receiver Byron Pringle speaks after practice, Aug. 1, 2022...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Wide receiver Byron Pringle speaks after practice, Aug. 1, 2022 during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Receivers Dante Pettis (86) and Chris Finke (17) practice Aug....

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Receivers Dante Pettis (86) and Chris Finke (17) practice Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Quarterback Justin Fields practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Quarterback Justin Fields practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • George Halas, in the bus, marks down the arrivals of...

    Chicago Tribune historical photo

    George Halas, in the bus, marks down the arrivals of Bears players as the team gets ready to leave its training camp in Wisconsin in August 1940.

  • Bears wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. stretches during OTAs on...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Bears wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. stretches during OTAs on May 24 at Halas Hall.

  • Punter Trenton Gill practices Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Punter Trenton Gill practices Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Steve McMichael takes a break at Bears Camp in Lake...

    Charles Cherney / Chicago Tribune

    Steve McMichael takes a break at Bears Camp in Lake Forest on Aug. 28, 1990.

  • Quarterback Justin Fields (1) practices with quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko,...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Quarterback Justin Fields (1) practices with quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko, left, and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy on Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Quarterback Justin Fields practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Quarterback Justin Fields practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Cornerback Lamar Jackson (23) stretches Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago...

    Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune

    Cornerback Lamar Jackson (23) stretches Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • On the way to lunch from their morning study session,...

    Al Phillips/Chicago Tribune

    On the way to lunch from their morning study session, Earl Leggett, defense lineman, and Joe Fortunato, linebacker, greet Sisters Mary Bernard and Mary Luciana on St. Joseph's College Campus on Aug. 19, 1960. Leggett and Fortunato were participating in the Chicago Bears training camp at Rensselaer, Indiana.

  • Quarterback Nathan Peterman stretches Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago Bears...

    Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune

    Quarterback Nathan Peterman stretches Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • The defense practices Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    The defense practices Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Player Danny Fortmann takes photos at Bears training camp on...

    Chicago Tribune historical photo

    Player Danny Fortmann takes photos at Bears training camp on Aug. 20, 1942.

  • Quarterback Justin Fields practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Quarterback Justin Fields practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Defensive backs Jaylon Johnson (33) and Kyler Gordon (6) stretch...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Defensive backs Jaylon Johnson (33) and Kyler Gordon (6) stretch Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • The Bears leave for training camp on Aug. 4, 1948,...

    Steve Marino/Chicago Tribune

    The Bears leave for training camp on Aug. 4, 1948, at Wrigley Field — and George Halas is driving. From left are, Gene Ronzani, Joe Baumgardner, Bill Cromer, Joe Abbey, Allen Lawler and Jim Canady.

  • Quarterback Justin Fields practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Quarterback Justin Fields practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Ends and backs view game films during a grading session...

    Al Phillips/Chicago Tribune

    Ends and backs view game films during a grading session at Bears training camp in Rensselaer, Indiana, on Aug. 19, 1960. At the projector is offensive backfield coach Chuck Mather.

  • Defensive back Lamar Jackson (23)stretches Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Defensive back Lamar Jackson (23)stretches Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, right, talks with quarterback Justin...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, right, talks with quarterback Justin Fields during training camp practice on Aug. 1 at Halas Hall.

  • Virginia McCaskey sits in the stands with her grandson, 11-month-old...

    Bob Langer/Chicago Tribune

    Virginia McCaskey sits in the stands with her grandson, 11-month-old John McCaskey, on May 25, 1985, during the Bears training camp in Lake Forest.

  • Running backs coach David Walker watches practice Aug. 1, 2022,...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Running backs coach David Walker watches practice Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • General manager Ryan Poles addresses the media as the Bears...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    General manager Ryan Poles addresses the media as the Bears report to training camp on July 26 at Halas Hall.

  • Defensive back Jaquan Brisker (9) stretches Aug. 2, 2022, during...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Defensive back Jaquan Brisker (9) stretches Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Head coach Matt Eberflus speaks after practice, Aug. 1, 2022...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Head coach Matt Eberflus speaks after practice, Aug. 1, 2022 during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Offensive lineman Sam Mustipher (67) practices Aug. 1, 2022, during...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Offensive lineman Sam Mustipher (67) practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Bears wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown, left, practices with teammates...

    Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune

    Bears wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown, left, practices with teammates at training camp on Wednesday in Lake Forest.

  • Coach Matt Eberflus speaks after practice, Aug. 1, 2022 during...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Coach Matt Eberflus speaks after practice, Aug. 1, 2022 during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Running back David Montgomery (32) practices Aug. 2, 2022, during...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Running back David Montgomery (32) practices Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • A sign welcomes Bears fans in Platteville, Wisconsin.

    Heather Stone/Chicago Tribune

    A sign welcomes Bears fans in Platteville, Wisconsin.

  • Tight end Jake Tonges practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Tight end Jake Tonges practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Tight ends Rysen John and Ryan Griffin practice Aug. 1,...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Tight ends Rysen John and Ryan Griffin practice Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Special teams coordinator Richard Hightower speaks after practice, Aug. 2,...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Special teams coordinator Richard Hightower speaks after practice, Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Coach Matt Eberflus watches quarterback Justin Fields practice Aug. 2,...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Coach Matt Eberflus watches quarterback Justin Fields practice Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Running back David Montgomery (32) practices Aug. 1, 2022, during...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Running back David Montgomery (32) practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Defensive back Jon Alexander (16) practices Aug. 1, 2022, during...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Defensive back Jon Alexander (16) practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Tight end James O'Shaughnessy practices Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Tight end James O'Shaughnessy practices Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Offensive linemen Cody Whitehair (65), Doug Kramer (68) and Braxton...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Offensive linemen Cody Whitehair (65), Doug Kramer (68) and Braxton Jones (70) practice Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Receiver Kevin Shaa practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Receiver Kevin Shaa practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Chicago Bears fans line up for autographs at training camp...

    Heather Stone/Chicago Tribune

    Chicago Bears fans line up for autographs at training camp in 2001 in Platteville, Wisconsin.

  • Standing before his extensive film library on Aug. 19, 1960,...

    Al Phillips/Chicago Tribune

    Standing before his extensive film library on Aug. 19, 1960, coach George Halas checks over films of previous games to be shown to players during a grading session at training camp in Rensselaer, Indiana. Assisting Halas are assistant coach Paddy Driscoll, left, and offensive coach Luke Johnsos.

  • Offensive lineman Michael Schofield (64) practices Aug. 2, 2022, during...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Offensive lineman Michael Schofield (64) practices Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Wide receiver Byron Pringle, center, practices with Darnell Mooney, left,...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Wide receiver Byron Pringle, center, practices with Darnell Mooney, left, and Nsimba Webster, right, Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Quarterbacks Nathan Peterman (14), Trevor Siemian (15) and Justin Fields...

    Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune

    Quarterbacks Nathan Peterman (14), Trevor Siemian (15) and Justin Fields (1) practice Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Quarterback Trevor Siemian hands off to tight end James O'Shaughnessy...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Quarterback Trevor Siemian hands off to tight end James O'Shaughnessy during practice Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Offensive lineman Zachary Thomas practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Offensive lineman Zachary Thomas practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Medical technician Nelson Ferrer uses an electrocardiogram on Walter Payton...

    Bob Langer/Chicago Tribune

    Medical technician Nelson Ferrer uses an electrocardiogram on Walter Payton on May 20, 1986, during the Bears camp physicals in Lake Forest.

  • Quarterback Trevor Siemian speaks after practice, Aug. 2, 2022, during...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Quarterback Trevor Siemian speaks after practice, Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad speaks after practice, Aug. 1, 2022...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad speaks after practice, Aug. 1, 2022 during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Quarterback Justin Fields speaks after practice Aug. 3, 2022, during...

    Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune

    Quarterback Justin Fields speaks after practice Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Offensive lineman Braxton Jones speaks after practice, Aug. 2, 2022,...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Offensive lineman Braxton Jones speaks after practice, Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Defensive back Jaylon Johnson speaks after practice, Aug. 2, 2022,...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Defensive back Jaylon Johnson speaks after practice, Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Wide receiver Byron Pringle practices Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago...

    Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune

    Wide receiver Byron Pringle practices Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Tight ends coach Jim Dray watches practice Aug. 1, 2022,...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Tight ends coach Jim Dray watches practice Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Coach Matt Eberflus speaks after practice Aug. 3, 2022, during...

    Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune

    Coach Matt Eberflus speaks after practice Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Bears receiver N'Keal Harry practices during training camp on Aug....

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Bears receiver N'Keal Harry practices during training camp on Aug. 1 at Halas Hall in Lake Forest.

  • George Halas, coach of the Chicago Bears, checks in his...

    Chicago Tribune historical photo

    George Halas, coach of the Chicago Bears, checks in his squad as they leave for the team's training camp in Rensselear, Indiana, on July 20, 1953.

  • Head coach Matt Eberflus watches practice Aug. 1, 2022, during...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Head coach Matt Eberflus watches practice Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. (97) stretches Aug. 1, 2022,...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. (97) stretches Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Tight end Ryan Griffin speaks after practice, Aug. 1, 2022...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Tight end Ryan Griffin speaks after practice, Aug. 1, 2022 during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Quarterback Nathan Peterman practices Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago Bears...

    Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune

    Quarterback Nathan Peterman practices Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Quarterback Justin Fields practices Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago Bears...

    Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune

    Quarterback Justin Fields practices Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Defensive back Elijah Hicks (37) stretches, Aug. 2, 2022, during...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Defensive back Elijah Hicks (37) stretches, Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Luke Johnsos, offensive coach for the Chicago Bears, diagrams a...

    Al Phillips/Chicago Tribune

    Luke Johnsos, offensive coach for the Chicago Bears, diagrams a play on a chalkboard while players copy it in their play books during Bears training camp on Aug. 19, 1960, at Rensselaer, Indiana. Coach George Halas sits on the windowsill at left, observing.

  • Defensive back Eddie Jackson (4) stretches Aug. 1, 2022, during...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Defensive back Eddie Jackson (4) stretches Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Head coach Matt Eberflus watches practice Aug. 2, 2022, during...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Head coach Matt Eberflus watches practice Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Virginia McCaskey, bottom right, watches practice with George McCaskey, top...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Virginia McCaskey, bottom right, watches practice with George McCaskey, top left, and Brian McCaskey on Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Offensive lineman Sam Mustipher (67) practices Aug. 1, 2022, during...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Offensive lineman Sam Mustipher (67) practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Defensive tackle Justin Jones speaks after practice Aug. 3, 2022,...

    Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune

    Defensive tackle Justin Jones speaks after practice Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Offensive lineman Sam Mustipher speaks after practice, Aug. 1, 2022...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Offensive lineman Sam Mustipher speaks after practice, Aug. 1, 2022 during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Head coach Matt Eberflus watches practice Aug. 1, 2022, during...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Head coach Matt Eberflus watches practice Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Receiver Equanimeous St. Brown practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Receiver Equanimeous St. Brown practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Defensive end Robert Quinn speaks after practice, Aug. 2, 2022,...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Defensive end Robert Quinn speaks after practice, Aug. 2, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • On the scale is defensive end Maury Youmans, weighing in...

    Al Phillips/Chicago Tribune

    On the scale is defensive end Maury Youmans, weighing in at 244 pounds. Checking his weight is halfback Willie Galimore, one of the lightest men on the team at 185 pounds. This all happened at Bears training camp at Rensselaer, Indiana, on Aug. 19, 1960.

  • Tackle Willie Lee and halfback John Morris take a whirlpool...

    Al Phillips/Chicago Tribune

    Tackle Willie Lee and halfback John Morris take a whirlpool treatment in the trainer room at the field house at Bears training camp at Rensselaer, Indiana, on Aug. 19, 1960.

  • Defensive back Jaylon Johnson (33) practices Aug. 1, 2022, during...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Defensive back Jaylon Johnson (33) practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Running back David Montgomery speaks after practice Aug. 3, 2022,...

    Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune

    Running back David Montgomery speaks after practice Aug. 3, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

  • Receiver Kevin Shaa practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears...

    Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

    Receiver Kevin Shaa practices Aug. 1, 2022, during Chicago Bears training camp at Halas Hall.

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It was set up to be a routine moment Saturday morning, a quick screen from Justin Fields to N’Keal Harry on the first play of a live tackling period at Chicago Bears training camp.

But after Harry caught Fields’ pass and headed upfield, linebacker Nicholas Morrow hit the receiver low, with Harry’s left leg bending and buckling.

Harry was in instant agony. He couldn’t get back to his feet on his own or put even an ounce of weight on his left leg as he was helped back inside Halas Hall.

You can bet Fields’ stomach dropped. As did offensive coordinator Luke Getsy’s.

The Bears already were practicing without Byron Pringle, who is dealing with a quadriceps injury that could keep him out for the rest of the preseason. Rookie Velus Jones Jr. also remains out with an undisclosed injury the team is classifying as day to day. And veteran Dante Pettis is out as well.

So much for the Bears’ efforts to solidify a patched-together receiving corps. Instead, Fields, Getsy, coach Matt Eberflus and general manager Ryan Poles are shifting into troubleshooting mode with a position group that already faced major questions when training camp began. Now the injury bug has bitten — just as the week of the first preseason game arrives.

Suddenly the Bears’ challenge to find Fields as many quality playmakers as possible has grown even more difficult. In turn, the second-year quarterback’s development might be impeded.

During practice Sunday, the injury issues left Darnell Mooney and Equanimeous St. Brown as the only obvious first-unit receivers and a cast of others mixing in as needed.

Eberflus has yet to offer updates on the specifics or severity of Harry’s injury. But an educated guess says it’s likely significant, derailing the 24-year-old’s efforts to revive his career with a fresh start in Chicago.

Bears receiver N'Keal Harry practices during training camp on Aug. 1 at Halas Hall in Lake Forest.
Bears receiver N’Keal Harry practices during training camp on Aug. 1 at Halas Hall in Lake Forest.

That would be a bummer for the 2019 first-round pick who believed the Bears would be a good fit while also recognizing a giant window of opportunity to claim a significant role.

Now, as the Bears march toward their Sept. 11 season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, their receiver depth chart is even further unsettled.

Coming off an 81-catch, 1,055-yard season, Mooney is the clear No. 1, the most proven and productive receiver at Halas Hall. But behind him is a mix of young players trying to break through and veterans hoping a reboot can revitalize their careers.

For Eberflus and Poles, it has become a real grab bag. Reach in and see what you might pull out.

The Bears have high-profile free-agent signees in Pringle, 28, and St. Brown, 25, each starting over after leaving MVP quarterbacks to chase bigger roles.

They have veteran castoffs Pettis, David Moore and Tajae Sharpe looking to jump-start their careers in a newly implemented system.

They have a third-round draft pick in Jones, who has the versatility to fill many roles and the speed to turn heads.

And they have young, hungry players such as 2021 sixth-round pick Dazz Newsome, undrafted rookie Kevin Shaa, third-year journeyman Chris Finke and veteran Isaiah Coulter fighting for whatever piece of the pie they might be able to get.

‘They’ve got to make plays’

General manager Ryan Poles addresses the media as the Bears report to training camp on July 26 at Halas Hall.
General manager Ryan Poles addresses the media as the Bears report to training camp on July 26 at Halas Hall.

With so much to sort through, Poles was asked last month what he would zero in on through August as he assembles his Week 1 roster.

“One, they’ve got to make plays,” he said. “Two, they’ve got to know the playbook and be where they’re supposed to be. I’ll lean on (receivers coach) Tyke (Tolbert) and Luke to coach those guys up and we’ll see where the room goes.”

With so many players looking to establish themselves at once, Poles has felt the hunger emanating from the receivers room.

“All of them (have something to prove),” he said. “It’s just at different levels. Maybe it’s to prove they can play or proving they can sustain success over multiple years. Everyone has a chip on their shoulder to prove they are that guy. We’ll see.”

The evidence being put on practice video has been important. Production in preseason games will be critical too. A sprinkle of good luck and good health also would be nice.

In some ways, Harry entered camp as the most intriguing of the newcomers, a physical specimen at 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds with an ability to make eye-catching contested receptions and a hunger to prove he still can be a standout in the NFL.

“You read about a guy when you’re in the draft process,” Getsy said at the start of camp, “but then he gets in front of you and you’re like, ‘Whoa! He’s a big, thick dude!’ I mean, he’s an impressive guy (physically). But I’m even more impressed with his mentality and how he came in here. He came in here with a purpose.”

Getsy appreciated Harry’s drive in learning a new system and, more so, his ability to absorb so many new plays and concepts quickly. Still, over three seasons with the New England Patriots, Harry never hit his stride. He played in 33 games, didn’t jell with quarterbacks Tom Brady, Cam Newton or Mac Jones and left with 57 career catches, 598 yards and four touchdowns.

In some league circles, the idea of Harry emerging as a standout in Chicago was far-fetched even before this weekend’s injury interrupted his climb. After all, his rookie season was derailed by an ankle injury in training camp, and he later was sidelined by a hip issue. Over time his ability to pick up Patriots coordinator Josh McDaniels’ offense was questioned, and his limited role reflected as much.

Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, right, talks with quarterback Justin Fields during training camp practice on Aug. 1 at Halas Hall.
Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, right, talks with quarterback Justin Fields during training camp practice on Aug. 1 at Halas Hall.

Harry’s inability to create separation consistently was another negative. His size and presumed power never really showed up in games, and his compete level on contested catches rarely looked the way it was supposed to.

Harry declined to offer any self-reflection about why his three seasons with the Patriots fizzled the way they did. Instead, he reminded himself to look through the front windshield and not into the rearview mirror as he tried to earn a role.

“I feel like I’m at a very good place mentally,” he said when camp began. “I put in a lot of work this offseason and I’m ready for it to show. … I want to show how dominant I can be as a player in the NFL.”

Instead, Saturday’s setback likely rerouted Harry’s career yet again.

A golden opportunity

Bears wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown, left, practices with teammates at training camp on Wednesday in Lake Forest.
Bears wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown, left, practices with teammates at training camp on Wednesday in Lake Forest.

At this stage, the Bears can ill afford to worry about the players who aren’t available when the process of identifying receivers who can help Fields most remains so crucial.

St. Brown, for example, has familiarity with Getsy from their three seasons together with the Green Bay Packers. And that has given him a head start in absorbing the Bears offense.

St. Brown steadily has built trust and timing with Fields thanks to his understanding of the playbook.

“He really doesn’t make mistakes when it comes to running the plays,” Fields said. “He’s definitely always in the right spot.”

Even with only 37 catches and 543 yards in his first four seasons, St. Brown already might be tightening his grip on a significant role.

Pringle still figures to be a major part of the plans as well, assuming he is able to get back on the field before Week 1. The Bears have expressed optimism in his run-after-catch abilities, willingness as a blocker and potential to experience a career breakthrough with a larger role than he ever had with the Chiefs.

“I know what he was behind in Kansas City,” Poles said. “And I know every time his number was called, he was productive, he was dependable and he’s tough.”

Pringle knows the competition for roles within the receiving corps is intense but has vowed not to get caught up in that.

“I don’t care who is ahead of me. I don’t care who is on the side of me. I don’t care who’s behind me,” Pringle said. “I only worry about myself because if I worry about them, that will make me lose focus on the task at hand.”

The Bears also figure to involve Jones heavily in the passing attack — once he’s healthy — and will intensify their examination of the depth chart when the preseason begins Saturday with a home game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

That will be followed by road exhibitions against the Seattle Seahawks and Cleveland Browns, providing ample video for the front office to analyze.

Bears wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. stretches during OTAs on May 24 at Halas Hall.
Bears wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. stretches during OTAs on May 24 at Halas Hall.

Will St. Brown and Jones dazzle the way they hope to?

Will Pettis or Sharpe, Newsome or Finke have bigger flashes when the lights come on?

Will the Bears reach the end of this month with greater confidence in the receiving corps?

Or will they be scouting the waiver wire during cuts week to find other possible puzzle pieces?

“We’d all love to sit here and say we have everything solidified and that we’re just sharpening all our tools,” Getsy said. “But we’re in the phase of starting something special here. These guys have bought in to the right mindset. And the competition brings out the best in all those guys.”

On the opening day of camp, Poles was asked if he believed he had restocked the roster with enough passing-game playmakers to accelerate Fields’ development.

“I don’t think you ever have enough,” he said. “But I’m happy with the guys who are in the building. And we’re going to stay active trying to find playmakers and continue to make this competitive.”

Poles admitted his enthusiasm in looking at his receiver group on paper eventually must be supported by weeks of on-field evidence from training camp practices and preseason games.

“There are a bunch of steps along the way,” he said.

The process continues.