Bears WR Eddie Royal: ‘Potential isn’t enough’

Alshon Jeffery continued to stay away from Halas Hall on Wednesday, and receiver Eddie Royal echoed his coaches, saying it meant more chances for everyone else in practice.

“We have a lot of young guys at receiver,” Royal said. “And it’s given them opportunity to get some reps and a chance to prove themselves. Ya know? It’s all about getting out there when you get a chance and making the most of it.”

That figures to be short-lived; Jeffery, who is slotted to play next season on the franchise tag, is expected to report for mandatory minicamp next week.

He’ll find a motivated Royal, who had only 37 catches for 238 yards in an injury-shortened nine-game season last year.

“We have a lot of talent on this team, but potential isn’t enough,” Royal said. “We know that. We had potential last year.”