Zavion Thomas’s Role in Bears’ Flex Offense | NFL News

0:00It's September 5th. I'm Corey with the story. This is NFL News Today, driven by AI and built for football fans. Xavier on Thomas is making some noise after that preseason finale, and it's got everyone wondering how the Bears plan to use him. He's got that speed, and the coaches are looking at him for slot outside, maybe even running back, plus special teams. His quickness alone can stretch defenses, opening things up for other guys. But let's be real. Thomas probably isn't changing the whole receiver dynamic. That's more likely to be Luther Burton's role, taking over a lot of what DJ Moore did last year. Burton's been showing out in practice, with explosive plays that have the coaches excited. Even with Burton getting more looks, other receivers might actually see their reps increase compared to last season. Roe Maudunze, for example, played a lot when he was on the field and could see more action. The reps from receivers who are no longer with the team need to be redistributed, and the coaching staff wants to mix things up this year.

1:00The coaching staff is looking at how they use receivers in Detroit, but they know this Bears group is different. They're emphasizing versatility, and Thomas' speed and ability to make plays after the catch make him a valuable piece. He's shown flashes, including a 97-yard touchdown on his first NFL touch, proving he's got the talent. Ultimately, Thomas' playing time will depend on a few things, the health of the other receivers, how he performs when he gets his chances, and the specific game plan for each opponent. He'll get touches, but it's unlikely to be a consistent, massive workload. This flexibility is key for the offense to stay unpredictable.