what's up Bears fans the battle for the final running back spot is heating up as Ian wheeler and velis Jones Jr go head-to-head in a preseason Showdown that's got everyone talking with roster Cuts just around the corner who will claim that coveted spot in today's video we'll dive into their intense competition break down their performances and explore what it all means for the Bears final roster you won't want to miss this as the 53-man roster Cuts approach Ian wheeler and velis Jones Jr are locked in a fierce battle for the final running back spot each displaying their skills and determination in a high stakes preseason Showdown this competition took center stage in episode two of Hard Knocks with the Chicago Bears where the story lines of both players and their current standing were highlighted Ian wheeler Howards Ian wheeler joined the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent at 5' 11 in and 205 lb wheeler is a powerhouse on the field he's been impressive in training camp particularly in gaining yards after contact when confronted by a single Defender he frequently manages to break through and keep moving with a similar build to former NFL running back Marshon Lynch fans might expect wheeler to be a PowerBack while he is powerful Wheeler's biggest asset is his Wicked speed wheeler got accepted into medical school but delayed his admissions in order to follow his dream playing in the NFL wheeler has the speed intelligence determination and commitment to the Grind to become a great player he still has a lot to learn but hard knock showed that wheeler is a fast learner now he just has to put in the work and show the Bears coaching staff that he is worth a roster spot vus Jones Jr Jones Jr is entering his second year in the NFL with much to prove drafted as a project player in 2022 the pressure is mounting for velis Jones Jr similar to Wheeler Jones Jr possesses exceptional speed with the ball making him nearly Unstoppable in the open field however his challenge lies in getting to that open space listed as a wide receiver Jones Jr has had issues catching the football in his two seasons with the Bears this included issues Fielding punts and holding on to the ball during kick returns a receiver who cannot reliably catch the ball will not last long in the NFL this is why Jones Jr could be changing positions during training camp velis Jones Jr has been taking reps as a running back and has recently been fully participating in that role while Jones Jr has performed better than anticipated as a running back concerns about his catching ability persist in a pass heavy NFL a running back who struggles to catch the ball is limited in versatility Jones Jr's Elite physical traits have kept him on the Bears roster for the last 2 years with Ian wheeler putting pressure of Jones Jr speed and strength may not be enough this time where wheeler and Jones Jr separate the two running backs are both speedsters with gamebreaking potential whether Jones Jr or wheeler gets the final spot could very likely come down to their hands that became apparent at Bear's practice today as both wheeler and Jones Jr got reps as a kick returner if wheeler can prove he has steady hands he likely has the edge over Jones Jr this is especially true after wheeler fantastic debut against the Buffalo Bills wheeler had the highest PFF grade of any running back in week one of the NFL preseason the Bears final two preseason games will be crucial in deciding who secures a spot on the final roster while both wheeler and Jones Jr bring valuable strengths to the table they ultimately serve a similar role the deciding factors will likely hinge on consistent catching ability and versatility as a kick returner conclusion as the battle for the final running back spot intensifies Ian wheeler and vellis Jones Jr have both made compelling cases for themselves Wheeler's power and speed combined with his impressive debut against the bills have put him in a strong position on the other hand valis Jones Jr's versatility and experience as a second-year player give him a Unique Edge however with roster Cuts looming it all comes down to consistency especially in Catching and kick returns the Bears coaching staff has a tough decision ahead and the final preseason games will be crucial in determining who earns that coveted spot thanks for watch