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By Anne Erickson
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Maurice Alexander found a good way to make sure the Bears saw him in their preseason opener.
The Chicago wide receiver, who goes by the nickname "Hard Time," made an impact in more than one area on Saturday. That's exactly the kind of versatility that can help a player trying to earn a spot on the final roster.
Alexander finished the game with three receptions for 42 yards and a touchdown, giving him a productive afternoon as a pass catcher. More importantly, he was the player on the receiving end of the Chicago Bears' first touchdown of the preseason.
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There was a familiar connection involved, too. Alexander caught the touchdown from quarterback Tyson Bagent, just as he did for Chicago's first preseason touchdown last year. Doing it again a year later is a fun bit of déjà vu, but it also gives Alexander another opportunity to put his name in the conversation as the Bears sort through their roster.
His contributions didn't stop on offense. Alexander also handled kick return duties, giving him another way to make an impression. He returned two kicks for 52 yards, including a long return of 30 yards. Those numbers give him something else to point to as he competes for a place on the team.
For players on the roster bubble, being able to contribute in multiple phases can be a big advantage. A receiver who can make plays on offense and provide value in the return game gives the coaching staff another reason to keep him around.
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That's what made Alexander's performance extra good. He wasn't limited to one role or one moment. He caught passes, found the end zone and provided solid production on kick returns.
There's obviously still lots of preseason football left, and one game won't determine Alexander's fate. But he couldn't have asked for a much better chance to put his versatility on display.
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