Optimism was prevalent among the Chicago Bears going into the summer. This optimism resulted from a massive overhaul of the offense. Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze joined D.J. Moore at wide receiver, and D’Andre Swift brought speed and versatility to running back. Last but not least, Caleb Williams provided a fresh injection of hope at quarterback. However, there was a dark cloud hovering in the background. Many fans wondered if the offensive line was up to the task of elevating this unit to respectability.
Talent hasn’t been the issue. The Bears do seem to have some athletic and physical blockers. Unfortunately, none of them have been able to stay healthy. Left guard Teven Jenkins has missed 20 games across three seasons in Chicago. Right guard Nate Davis missed six games last year and hasn’t worked much in training camp. Even right tackle Darnell Wright had to battle a shoulder problem last season. It was hoped the Bears could count on some good fortune in the health department this year.
The latest practice on Sunday proves that may have been a mistake. Jenkins left with an undisclosed injury. Davis returned briefly but didn’t finish. Wright hasn’t practiced for almost a week.
Teven Jenkins just left the field with an athletic trainer after stretch. Ja’Tyre Carter is in at left guard during OL drills.
Bears right guard Nate Davis was in full pads and participating in practice but has exited the field and taken his pads off. He’s now off to the side where the injured players are working out.
Often, the fastest way to derail the development of a rookie quarterback is having to get hit too often. Justin Fields can attest to that. Williams is elusive, but he’s not superhuman. It will be impossible for him to find any rhythm on offense if he constantly has to dodge pass rushers. That is what happened in the latest practice and has been happening for much of training camp. The defense has often beaten the protection because the group is makeshift from injuries.
GM Ryan Poles faces a steep challenge. Finding help for the group this late into the off-season is extremely difficult. Quality starters don’t fall out of the sky. His best option would be veteran center Connor Williams. If he’s healthy, he could man the middle of the line, allowing Ryan Bates to shift to his original position of right guard, presuming Davis can’t stay on the field like usual. They could also look to add somebody via the waiver wire in a few weeks to bolster their depth and competition.
The truth is their options are few. No serious solutions are possible until next off-season. Until then, the Chicago Bears may have to get creative or hope the football gods answer their prayers.
Филиал № 4 ОСФР по Москве и Московской области информирует:
Гражданам Москвы и Московской области, получившим тяжелые производственные травмы, выданы автомобили марки «Лада Гранта»
«Ингосстрах» и «Будь Здоров» проводят «Дни здоровья» для корпоративных клиентов
Кибербезопасность и спорт на ВЭФ 2024: 194 команд студентов из 14 стран соревновались по спортивному программированию
Росгвардейцы принимают участие в обеспечении правопорядка в период проведения Единого дня голосования в Подмосковье
Филиал № 4 ОСФР по Москве и Московской области информирует:
Гражданам Москвы и Московской области, получившим тяжелые производственные травмы, выданы автомобили марки «Лада Гранта»
Камчатка. Мертвый лес
В Перми убили главу территориального следственного отдела СК
Филиал № 4 ОСФР по Москве и Московской области информирует:
С начала года сотрудники контакт-центра Отделения СФР по Москве и Московской области проконсультировали более 880 тысяч граждан
Дикторы онлайн: Значение базы голосов в современном мире
Подбор дикторов онлайн: как найти идеальный голос для вашего проекта