Cordarrelle Patterson is as versatile as they come. He can play wide receiver, kick returner and running back. But what about tight end?
With the Bears thin at the tight end position, could Matt Nagy employ the versatile Patterson as a tight end? It’s not as crazy as it may sound, considering that discussion has gone back to August about the idea, according to Chicago Sun-Times reporter Jason Lieser.
The struggles of the Bears’ tight ends have been well-documented this season, as they’ve been virtually non-existent in this offense.
With Trey Burton on injured reserve and Adam Shaheen and Ben Braunecker ruled out this week, the Bears will turn to Jesper Horsted and JP Holtz at tight end. Patterson has even gone to Nagy to inquire about potentially filling in at the position.
The kick return specialist/receiver/running back is the kind of player that you want to have on the field as often as possible, and given the struggles of the offense — particularly tight ends — this season, why not try Patterson at tight end? The mismatches would be incredible and could open up this offense.
While tight end requires different responsibilities that would require an offseason to learn, Patterson couldn’t possibly be worse than what the Bears have put on the field this season at the tight end position.
Patterson did line up at tight end at times with the New England Patriots last season, so it wouldn’t be entirely new for him.
We’ll see how Nagy ultimately decides to utilize Patterson in this offense on Thursday and in these final five games of the season.
