The Chicago Bears have gotten some good returns from their 2021 draft class thus far. Justin Fields looks like a legit quarterback. Larry Borom has played far better than a 5th round rookie tackle should. Even 7th rounder Khyiris Tonga has made contributions. What many fans are anxious to see next is the status of Teven Jenkins. There was a lot of buzz around the 2nd round pick from Oklahoma State. Buzz that fizzled when he underwent back surgery before playing a snap.
Since then he has worked hard to get back. Initial projections suggested he might be able to return by the end of the season but some were concerned he may never make it. According to head coach Matt Nagy, those fears were unjustified. The Bears have made it official, opening the 21-day practice window for Jenkins. This means he has three weeks to get back into the mix and determine if the team will activate him off Injured Reserve.
Expectations are this will happen.
21-day practice window opening for rookie offensive lineman Teven Jenkins and S Deon Bush. Lots of evaluation ahead for Jenkins to see where he's at and where he will eventually play. @ChicagoBears
— Jeff Joniak (@JeffJoniak) November 15, 2021
The timing is certainly fortuitous for the Chicago Bears offense. They need more help up front. Jenkins was a highly-touted prospect for a reason. A big, powerful tackle that could manhandle defenders once he got his hands on them. It will be interesting to see where the team looks to implement him once he’s up to speed. Former guard and team color analyst Tom Thayer believes the right course of action is shifting him back to his natural spot at right tackle.
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Remember the team initially planned to play him at left tackle in training camp. This is a logical idea but does create a conundrum. Borom has played at right tackle the past two weeks and looked solid against pass rushers like Nick Bosa and T.J. Watt. Moving him out of there for Jenkins wouldn’t seem too logical. At least not right now.
Don’t expect him to hit the starting lineup immediately. It’s more likely the Bears will look to insert him as an extra blocker on run plays and also field goal blocking duty. A good way to get his feet wet.
