Training camp has seen a good start for a number of position groups on the Chicago Bears roster. Quarterback, tight end, and linebacker being three of them. On the opposite end of the scale though? That would be offensive tackle. The unit already had depth concerns coming into August after Charles Leno Jr. was released. While the move was easy to understand given the financial problems, it still makes it tougher to swallow given the current situation.
Already the Bears were down both of their starters when camp began last week. Teven Jenkins remains out with back tightness while Germain Ifedi still hasn’t returned from a hip flexor. Now the matter gets even worse as primary backup Elijah Wilkinson failed to suit up for the first padded practice of camp at Soldier Field. This put the coaching staff in a significant jam. As a result, they were forced to get rather creative with their solution.
Larry Borom with the starters at left tackle today – great reps for the rookie 5th round pick. No sign of potential swing tackle Elijah Wilkinson today and Matt Nagy have no clue EW would be out of action today when he spoke pre-practice.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) August 3, 2021
Alex Bars the latest to get some action at left tackle — with the 2s.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) August 3, 2021
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
The desperation is pretty apparent.
Borom spent his entire college career at right tackle before being drafted. That was where the Bears had planned to keep him. Bars is viewed as a guard on the depth chart but spent time at tackle in college and in the 2019 preseason. Given how the Bears defensive front dominated the action in practice? It’s a safe assumption they have some work to do. Not that it’s their fault. This was never the plan.
Head coach Matt Nagy has high hopes for Borom. The Bears really like his footwork, especially in pass protection. He dropped over 40 lbs at one point prior to joining the team. This made him quicker and more nimble. The challenge is learning to handle the technique and power demands of the position. Something Khalil Mack, Robert Quinn, and others have tested him on repeatedly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1EKRqVhMpA&ab_channel=ChicagoBears
Chicago Bears may have to make an emergency move soon
They can’t afford to wait on Jenkins and Ifedi forever. The longer those two are out, the more it hampers the entire offense. Remember who they have to face in Week 1. Aaron Donald and the Rams. A front that ate their lunch in the previous meeting last year. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see GM Ryan Pace work the phones to see if he can find some help at the tackle position.
A few names out there might be worth calling. Former Pro Bowler Russell Okung is still available. He’s battled health issues of his own but remains effective when on the field. There is also Rick Wagner, most recently of the Green Bay Packers. His ability to play right and left tackle last season was a big part of their success in reaching the NFC championship. They could also take a gamble on Jason Peters despite him being 39-years old.
Much of those will be determined soon.
The Chicago Bears likely hope Jenkins and Ifedi will return before too long. However, if this stretches another few days with no signs of progress? Nagy and Pace won’t have much choice but to act. They can’t afford to leave their quarterbacks exposed going into such an important season. Who knows. Maybe Borom or Bars end up surprising.