Martellus Bennett expressed frustration during practice last week about his role in the red-zone offense. But if the tight end is upset about the number of times he's being targeted, coach John Fox isn't concerned.
Bennett and Fox insisted the player did not make the trip for the Bears 17-13 upset of the Packers in Green Bay last Thursday because of a rib injury, the first time the durable veteran has missed a game since 2011.
Bennett denied acting out his frustration in practice two days before the game but multiple sources told the Tribune it happened because he was upset with how he was being deployed in a red-zone package. It's no surprise he's unhappy as he skipped the voluntary offseason program under the new front office and coaching staff in hopes of getting a pay raise.
Fox was dismissive when asked if Bennett was upset with how he is being used.
"You will have to ask him about that," Fox said. "I don't know. I don't really care. I get upset too. I think he is one of the top-five targeted tight ends in the league."
Beat writer Dan Wiederer said on Twitter that "there is definite concern Bennett has been brooding and in an odd mental funk."
While it's true that Bennett is in the top 6 at his position (7.6 per game), he has only averaged 5.8 targets per game since the team's Week 7 bye. Meanwhile Zachary Miller has racked up 12 catches for 187 yards and four touchdowns in the five games since the bye. We're wondering if the #squeakywheeltheorem will cause an increase his role this week against the 49ers.
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