The Chicago Bears offensive line got dealt a tough blow in New York when Cody Whitehair suffered a knee injury. He will be out for a while. That leaves the overall depth of the unit in question. Thankfully it appears they’re about to get some help. Former 1st round pick Alex Leatherwood went on IR a few weeks ago with a bout of mononucleosis. The team has since announced his return to practice, opening the 21-day window for them to activate him.
GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus are optimistic about Leatherwood. They feel he has the skillset and temperament they’re looking for on this team. Whatever happened in Las Vegas during his rookie season is done with. They’re focused on coaching him up to realize his massive potential as a blocker. Most experts agree all of his issues are technique-related. If he can get them cleaned up, the Bears have a future starter on their hands.
Alex Leatherwood returned to practice today, beginning a 21-day window to remove him from the reserve/non-football illness list.https://t.co/fGvtapvVDs
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 12, 2022
The Chicago Bears must figure out where Leatherwood goes.
Las Vegas never seemed to get him settled in one position. They started him out at tackle but then moved him inside to guard. Their coaching staff left him on an island way too often, which seemed to affect his confidence as the season wore on. Getting cut after one year had to have stung. It was a surprise to many when the Bears chose to claim him off waivers, inheriting his 1st round pick contract. There was a method to their madness, though.
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Leatherwood was an award-winning lineman at Alabama for a reason. His athleticism, size, and power were evident during a long run there. Poles seems to feel the Raiders never used him properly. Offensive line coach Chris Morgan is no stranger to straightening out former 1st round picks who struggled as rookies. Ask Jake Matthews. If the Chicago Bears are patient and settle him at one position, there is a strong chance Leatherwood can become a big help to their rebuilding front.
