With others hurt, rookie WR Javon Wims makes timely plays for Bears’ offense

MINNEAPOLIS — It was a stop route that might turn into the start of good things for Bears rookie receiver Javon Wims.

On third-and-six from the Bears’ 46, quarterback Mitch Trubisky turned to Wims, who beat Vikings cornerback Trae Waynes for a 16-yard gain.

It was a big catch made by an inexperienced receiver during a game-defining drive for the Bears in their 24-10 victory Sunday against the Vikings.

‘‘It wasn’t anything extra,’’ Wims said. ‘‘I’ve got a spot I have to be at to stay on the quarterback’s timing. That’s what I did.’’

It was all part of an impressive day for Wims, who also made a nine-yard catch on third-and-seven from the Vikings’ 17 on the same drive — one that lasted 16 plays and more than nine minutes. Two plays later, running back Tarik Cohen scored on a three-yard run.

Better yet, the Bears needed a receiver to step up and contribute after Anthony Miller (left shoulder) and Taylor Gabriel (ribs) were injured. Neither played in the second half. Top receiver Allen Robinson (ribs) was inactive.

‘‘We’re deep at the wide-receiver position,’’ said Wims, who was inactive for 11 games this season, including six of the last seven. ‘‘Any one of us, at any given moment, could step in and fill a void for the team.’’

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Wims finished with four catches on four targets for 32 yards. Kevin White added an impressive 22-yard reception in the first quarter.

Gabriel still led the Bears with four catches for 61 yards. That included a 41-yard reception on third down to the

Vikings’ 1 in the second quarter.

Gabriel said his right shoulder was injured on the play, though coach Matt Nagy later said he was dealing with an injury to his ribs.

Miller suffered an injury to his left shoulder when he fell out of bounds on a run for a one-yard loss on the Bears’ fourth play from scrimmage. It’s the same shoulder Miller dislocated in Week 3 against the Cardinals.

‘‘I feel good about them,’’ Nagy said. ‘‘But I can’t say that for sure because we have to look at them a little further. But I feel confident that they’ll be OK.’’

If not, the Bears apparently found someone in Wims.

‘‘He balled, man,’’ Gabriel said. ‘‘To make those clutch plays and to not play all season and for him to come into such an intense environment, it’s just big ups to him and his preparation throughout the week.’’