Wheaton was released by the Bears on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Wheaton was a complete bust in the first season of a two-year, $11 million contract, catching three of 17 targets for 51 yards in 11 games. The Bears have reached agreements with Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel, while Wheaton will look for a new home to compete for a roster spot. The 2013 third-round pick has seven receptions since 2015, with injuries playing a major role in his struggles. He's only 27 and does still own a career mark of 14.2 yards per catch.

Wheaton likely will be released by the Bears, Patrick Finley of The Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Signed to a two-year, $11 million contract last offseason, Wheaton caught three passes for 51 yards in 11 games with the Bears. His only chance of staying in Chicago would be accepting a major pay cut to compete for a spot at the bottom of the roster. With Kendall Wright, Dontrelle Inman and Cameron Meredith (knee) all set to become unrestricted free agents, the Bears figure to aggressively address their wideout group in free agency and/or the draft. Kevin White (shoulder) figures to get another shot with the team in the final year of his rookie contract, but the Bears don't want to be in the position of depending on a player who has made only five appearances in three professional seasons. Wheaton has dealt with injury issues of his own, missing five games last season and 13 in 2016 with the Steelers. He does at least seem to be healthy at the moment.

Wheaton caught one pass for nine yards in the Bears Week 17 loss to the Vikings, and he ended the season with three receptions for 51 yards in 11 games.

EDGE Analysis

Wheaton's entering the last year of his contract, but unless he gives the new coaching staff reason for optimism that he'll improve, he easily could find himself in an uphill battle to make the team. He certainly had opportunity to carve out a role in an offense that was pretty much devoid of playmakers at wide receiver, but he was targeted just 17 times over 11 games. Although he had a pair of reasonably productive seasons in 2014 and 2015, he's posted just 102 yards in 14 games since that time, and he'll need to have an impressive training camp to merit a spot on most fantasy teams in 2018.

Wheaton caught two passes for 42 yards in the Bears Week 15 loss to the Lions.

EDGE Analysis

When the Bears fell behind by double digits in the second half, they frequently played in offensive sets with multiple wide receivers, which allowed Wheaton to see plenty playing time. He was targeted four times, and each of his receptions went for at least 20 yards as he took advantage of the Lions playing a prevent defense . With just 51 yards of offense on the season, he'll be a very risky fantasy option in the last weeks of the season.

Wheaton was not targeted in Sunday's 15-14 loss to the 49ers.

EDGE Analysis

Despite being active in five games this season, Wheaton's caught just one pass for nine yards on the season. He's little more than a depth option on the Chicago roster with no signs of additional involvement expected in the near future.

Wheaton is expected to play a bigger role at receiver in Sunday's game against the Lions, Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Wheaton only saw two snaps in the Bears' Week 10 loss to the Packers after coming off a three-game absence due to injury. However, head coach John Fox indicated there is "no doubt" Wheaton is more prepared to contribute in Week 11 after another week of practice under his belt. Still, the 26-year-old is fourth on the Bears' receiving depth chart, and the team figures to rely on their ground game going forward.

Wheaton (groin) practiced in full Thursday, Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Considering his practice reps weren't impacted for the first time since Week 5, Wheaton is on pace to suit up Sunday against the Packers. Since joining the Bears in the offseason, he's made nary an impact in the box score, corralling one of nine passes for nine yards across three appearances. Working with rookie Mitchell Trubisky likely won't result in much attention, but the Bears' dearth of talent in the receivers room ensures some viability for Wheaton.

Wheaton (groin) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Wheaton's return to practice Monday marked four weeks since injuring his groin Oct. 9 against the Vikings. Considering he was given a 4-to-6 week recovery timetable, he seems to be trending toward active status Sunday versus the Packers. If he does make an appearance this weekend, the run-heavy nature of the Bears offense with rookie Mitchell Trubisky running the show doesn't lend itself to significant looks for Wheaton or anyone else in the receiving corps.

Wheaton (groin) participated in the Bears' team workout Monday, Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Finger and groin injuries have limited Wheaton to just three games this season, with his last appearance coming back in Week 5 against the Vikings. Though Wheaton had been serving in a starting role for the Bears, he was unable to find much traction in the passing game, catching one ball for nine yards in those contests. While Wheaton has been out, Mitchell Trubisky has since replaced Mike Glennon as the Bears' starting quarterback, but the offensive game plans have still skewed run heavy, which likely won't translate to many targets for Wheaton once he's back to full health.

Wheaton (groin) is listed as inactive Sunday at New Orleans.

EDGE Analysis

Less than three weeks removed from a torn groin, Wheaton hasn't entered the 4-to-6 week timetable for his return. Perhaps he'll get healthy enough during the Bears' Week 9 bye, but the Bears won't file an official injury report again until Nov. 9, so his next game action is unclear at this point.