The Chicago Bears dropped some unfortunate news on Wednesday. Promising 2nd round pick Teven Jenkins, who had missed all of training camp with back tightness, will be undergoing a surgical procedure to correct the problem. This is after trying to rehab the issue for the past few weeks. It is a difficult setback for the rookie and not exactly a great look for the men who drafted him.
That said, not all the news on the injury front was dark. Even as Jenkins is destined for Injured Reserve, several key players are returning to practice. On defense, they include Roquan Smith (groin), Josh Woods (quad), Tre Roberson (knee), and Robert Quinn (ankle). Smith and Quinn should be a particular boost for this team. The offense though got some help of their own. They come in the form of tight end J.P. Holtz and right guard James Daniels.
Per Bears head coach Matt Nagy: Eddie Goldman injured his back in practice yesterday and won't be out there today.
James Daniels, J.P. Holtz, Roquan Smith, Josh Woods, Tre Roberson and Robert Quinn are all returning to practice.
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) August 18, 2021
Daniels’ return couldn’t be better timed.
He missed the preseason opener against Miami nursing a quad injury. This is after working his way back from a torn pectoral last season. So he still has plenty of ground to make up. Especially since he is working at a new position in right guard. A spot he was shifted to after Cody Whitehair thrived at left guard in his absence. Presuming Daniels stays healthy moving forward, the Bears at least know their interior offensive line should be solidified for the opener in Los Angeles.
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Something that is positively crucial with Aaron Donald looming. From there, the big challenge for the Bears is figuring out what to do at tackle. They do get some help in that regard. Jason Peters is going through the COVID-19 protocol and will join the team shortly. The 39-year old may not be the All-Pro version of himself from five or six years ago but he at least should bring some stability.
Chicago Bears may yet be okay on the offensive line
Their interior trio of Daniels, Whitehair, and Sam Mustipher has a chance to be above average. The latter two worked quite well together in the second half of last season. If Daniels plays like he did in the first half? That should be a solid group. If Peters can play somewhere along the lines of what he was in 2019, then the left tackle spot should be fine. They don’t need him to be spectacular. Just steady.
What the Chicago Bears really need to figure out is the right tackle spot. For most of camp, the job has stayed in the hands of Lachavious Simmons, their 7th round pick from last year. This is because their two original options are both injured. Germain Ifedi hasn’t practiced all of camp due to a hip flexor. Rookie 5th round pick Larry Borom was practicing well but then suffered a concussion.
Will either of them return in time to be ready for opening night?
Nobody can say for sure. Still, it is at least nice to see the Bears are getting a bit healthier across the board. Here is hoping it will stay that way. The Rams will be hard enough to beat at full strength. Taking them down shorthanded will be close to impossible.