Bennett’s season came to a quiet end Tuesday when the Bears placed him on injured reserve with a ribs injury first suffered November 22 against the Broncos.
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Bennett has provided a large dose of off-field drama in recent years.
In a corresponding move, Chicago has signed tight end Rob Housler, who has appeared in 61 career games with the Cardinals (2011-’14) and the Browns (2015). Bennett and the coaching staff denied this. His production has slowed a bit over the last month when he had just six catches in three games. He’s spent three of his eight seasons in Chicago and has 208 catches and 14 touchdowns with the Bears.
Bennett ends the year with 53 catches for 439 yards and three touchdowns. Though Housler, who last played the Cleveland Browns this season, has 55 career games and 105 career receptions under his belt, sending Bennett to IR signifies that the Bears may no longer envision themselves as a legitimate playoff with their 5-7 record entering Week 14.
Now it’s fair to wonder whether the tight end has played his last down with the Bears. Bennett eclipsed 50 yards in four games this season; previous year, it happened nine times.
He said he took pride in both blocking and receiving, claiming Seahawks star Jimmy Graham “can’t block worth (expletive)” and that the Chargers’ Antonio Gates had more freedom than him in their offense.
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“There is no one more gifted at their positions than Jay Cutler, and also Martellus Bennett”, Irvin told CSNChicago.com during that 2014 training camp. He would likely demand an extension if traded. It began with Bennett staying away from voluntary spring practices, as he made clear to new general manager Ryan Pace and Fox his desire for a new contract despite being signed through the 2016 season. He has compiled 106 receptions for 1,139 yards and one touchdown.
