Chicago Bears' Royal proving his worth

Eddie Royal equaled last season's TD total when he caught a 19-yard scoring pass in the season opener and in just two games has shown that he's ready to put a disappointing 2015 in the rear view.

The nine-year veteran has 8 receptions for 109 yards with a 13.6-yard average, more than double the 6.4 he averaged on 37 catches last season when injuries kept him out of seven games.

"It was tough not playing," he said. "I'm glad that I'm out there being able to contribute and help the team out, but we're 0-2, so it's not enough. I've got to find a way to do more, and so does everybody else."

This year Royal is handling punt-return duties, adding to his value, and is off to a spectacular start with 105 yards on 4 attempts (20.7-yard average), including a 65-yard TD in Week Two.

Normally deployed in the slot in three- or four-WR formations, Royal has the versatility to contribute in multiple roles.

"Eddie can play outside, (or) he can play inside," quarterback Jay Cutler said. "He's a savvy vet. I'm comfortable with him. I think he's one of the best route runners on the outside in the league and he's a smart football player. He's kind of that catchall, comfortable guy. You can move him around, and he's gonna get the job done."

It's been several years since the 30-year-old Royal was a full-time punt returner. He had a total of 55 returns in 2009 and '10 with the Broncos, but just 43 in the five years after that.

Last year the Bears used former Pro Bowler Marc Mariani, but he managed just a 6.6-yard average and was waived in the final cut. So there was a need this year, and Royal was a logical choice.

"I was willing to do it," he said, "and I think everyone in this locker room is willing to do whatever it takes to win. They told me I'd be back there, and I did it."

Through two weeks, Royal led the NFL in punt-return yardage and was second in average. It might be a little extra wear and tear on his 5-foot-10, 190-pound body, but Royal said it's worth it.

"Special teams is a key down," he said. "You can change the game, and we all know that, so you want all your best players out there whenever you can."

Empty pipeline:

In the two drafts of the G.M. Ryan Pace-coach John Fox era, the Bears have had 15 selections, including nine this year.

None have been used on a quarterback, part of the reason there is no one on the roster who is considered a viable, down-the-road successor to Jay Cutler, who is 33.

"It's kind of a team effort, as far as personnel people and the coaching staff," Fox said. "We've tried to take, in our opinion, the best available (player). And it's not been a quarterback."

The last quarterback the Bears drafted was David Fales in the sixth round in 2014, the last Phil Emery draft. But Fales was cut this year and is currently on the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad.

Current backup Brian Hoyer is 30. Matt Barkley, who was promoted from the practice squad last week, is 26 but not viewed as a potential starter. Connor Shaw, who played impressively in the preseason before suffering a broken leg, is on injured reserve.

Road warriors:

Sunday night's meeting will be the fourth between the Bears and Cowboys since what is now called AT&T Stadium opened in 2009. The Bears have won two of the previous three meetings in Arlington, Texas, scoring an average of 29.7 points.

In those games, Jay Cutler has completed 71 of 99 passes for 893 yards, 7 touchdowns and 1 interception for a passer rating of 118.8. Unfortunately for the Bears, Cutler (sprained thumb) isn't expected to play.

Injury update:

Nose tackle Eddie Goldman and running back Ka'Deem Carey, who were listed as doubtful Friday, did not make the trip to Dallas and are out for Sunday night.

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