Alshon Jeffery's quest to prove he's worth a huge long-term deal is starting with a strain.
Chicago Bears coach John Fox told reporters Thursday his No. 1 receiver is dealing with a mild hamstring injury.
Jeffery left Wednesday's practice with the injury and didn't participate Thursday. Given his injury history and importance to the offense, we expect the Bears to ease the wideout back into training camp.
Jeffery signed his one-year franchise tag tender that will pay him $14.599 million in 2016. The Bears' clear No. 1 receiver has been Jay Cutler's security blanket and currently rates as the team's most potent offensive player.
The 26-year-old wideout missed seven games last season due to injury, including multiple soft-tissue issues. In order for Jeffery to earn a long-term deal worth upper-echelon dollars -- NFL Media's Mike Garafolo reported the Bears wanted a long-term deal closer to $11 million per season -- he needs to stay on the field.
So far, no good to start training camp.
