The Chicago Bears offensive line was having problems even before the recent string of games. When it rains, it pours as they say. First James Daniels goes down with a torn pec. Then Cody Whitehair suffered a calf strain. Now Bobby Massie is the latest to hit the shelf after enduring a rough-looking ankle injury against the New Orleans Saints.
This has created a brutal situation for the Bears. Their offensive line had depth concerns coming into the season. People were worried that GM Ryan Pace didn’t do enough to help it. Nothing more than a pair of 7th round picks. It seems like he was asking for trouble. Fast forward to now? Yeah, they were right about that.
Now things get really interesting.
Presuming Massie is out next week as is Whitehair? The Bears could end up starting three backups on their offensive line in Rashaad Coward, Sam Mustipher, and Jason Spriggs. That group didn’t handle things too well against New Orleans as Nick Foles found himself on the ground a lot. It’s an unenviable situation, to say the least.
So what can Chicago do? Well outside of a trade at the deadline for some veteran help, their only option is to comb through the free agent market. This time of year there is almost no viable starters at offensive tackle available. There is one name though that might be worth exploring.
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You ask and sometimes you shall receive. Here’s a little #TrenchTalk for you on Cordy Glenn. pic.twitter.com/bf1BVlPaH7
— Tra Thomas (@72TraThomas) September 5, 2020
Cordy Glenn can fill in for Bobby Massie
Probably the one name that sticks out on the market is Cordy Glenn. This is a veteran offensive tackle with lots of experience between stints in Buffalo and Cincinnati. While nobody would ever call him a star, the guy earned a reputation for being solid. Particularly in pass protection. Something a team like the Bears desperately needs.
What nobody knows for sure with him is how interested he is in playing. Glenn had a falling out with the Bengals in 2019 over a disputed treatment of a concussion he suffered. He was released back in March and hasn’t signed with a team since. This despite a number of tackle jobs opening up around the league.
Either way, the Bears should at least place a phone call.
Glenn has primary experience at left tackle but he’s no stranger to switching positions when asking. There would be two options in play. Either the team could plug him directly at right tackle or could move him inside to left guard and having Coward or Spriggs handle duties at right tackle. The difference being that Glenn has actually played left guard before.
Much of this depends on Bobby Massie himself. How serious is the injury? If it’s minor, the Bears may try to just hold off until he returns in a week or two. If it’s major, then they have to find help. Glenn is what one would call a savior but he’s probably the best option available in terms of both talent and experience. The next few days should point the direction they go.