Bears put OL Ryan Bates on IR; promote RB Darrynton Evans

The Bears put guard/center Ryan Bates on injured reserve with a concussion Saturday and promoted running back Darrynton Evans to the active roster for Sunday’s game against the Lions at Soldier Field.

The Bears also listed center/guard/fullback Doug Kramer as doubtful for the Lions game with a shoulder injury.

Bates already had been ruled out for the Lions games — the sixth consecutive game he will have missed since suffering the concussion against the Packers on Nov. 17 at Soldier Field.

The six-year veteran, who was acquired from the Bills for a 2024 fifth-round draft pick in the offseason, played three games this season, with two starts. He was battling Coleman Shelton for the starting job at center in training camp, but suffered an injury in practice on Aug. 8 — while filling in for Nate Davis at right guard.

Bates alternated with Nate Davis at right guard in the opener against the Titans, but aggravated shoulder and elbow injuries and was put on injured reserve on Sept. 14.

He returned against the Patriots in Week 9 and started at right guard in place of Matt Pryor, who was playing right tackle for an injured Darnell Wright. Bates started for Jenkins at left guard the following week against the Packers, but was injured after seven snaps.

(The Bears’ regained the draft pick they traded for Bates — giving the Bills a 2025 fourth-round pick in exchange — and took Kansas defensive end Austin Booker at No. 144 overall. So the Bears actually acquired Bates for a 2025 fourth-round draft pick.)

The Bears already are shaky on the offensive line with left tackle Braxton Jones (concussion) and left guard Teven Jenkins (calf) questionable for the Lions game. Jones practiced in full on Friday and interim coach Thomas Brown was optimistic he would be able to play.

Jake Curhan has played left guard for Jenkins against the 49ers and for Bates against the Packers and likely would start if Jenkins can’t play.