The Chicago Bears face one of their toughest tasks of the season this Sunday when they go on the road to Los Angeles. There, they will play the Los Angeles Chargers. While the team is 2-4, they’re still talented in several areas. That is especially true on the defensive edges with Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa. Facing them with rookie Darnell Wright and backup Larry Borom feels like a mismatch that will be tough to deal with. As efficient as quarterback Tyson Bagent was last week, it doesn’t feel like this offense is equipped to throw a lot if necessary.
That is what made the recent news from head coach Matt Eberflus most welcoming. Left tackle Braxton Jones is returning to practice this week after missing the past five games with a neck injury. If he’s close to 100%, the timing of this couldn’t be better. Jones was playing well before the injury, showcasing notable improvement in his protection. Having him back for Sunday night would be a considerable boost for the offense. It will depend on how he functions in practice over the next few days.
The Chicago Bears need all hands on deck.
This game may well decide how the rest of their season goes. After an ugly 0-4 start, they seem to have built a little momentum with two wins in the past three weeks. Upsetting the Chargers on Sunday night could end up being a turning point of their season and a massive boost for team morale. Having Jones there for it will be vital. Backup Larry Borom has been serviceable in relief, but he’s not a starting-caliber left tackle. In 170 pass block snaps, he’s allowed 19 pressures on the quarterback. Jones allowed four in 89.
There is no doubt that he will be an upgrade to this front if he’s healthy. Still, after five weeks out it’s uncertain how ready he is. Eberflus used Teven Jenkins in a rotation when he first returned from IR. Perhaps the Chicago Bears will do the same with Jones. Are they willing to trust Borom against those two studs in Los Angeles? That seems unlikely. Then again, he’s been a big part of their recent offensive success for the past month. Jones will be the one who decides how this goes.
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