The Chicago Bears offensive line has operated short-handed from the moment training camp began. Teven Jenkins had back problems that eventually led to surgery. James Daniels missed several practices with a quad strain. Larry Borom suffered a concussion. Yet the one loss that people didn’t take about enough was Germain Ifeid. Their projected right tackle has missed every practice and preseason game since the end of last month due to a hip flexor.
Thankfully it seems the problems are finally starting to abate. Ifedi was activated off the PUP list on Tuesday. This means he can start practicing. While he likely won’t play the final preseason game in Tennessee, this means it is a strong likelihood he will be ready for Week 1 in Los Angeles. Combined with the arrival of Jason Peters, it at least looks like the Bears have managed to stabilize the tackle positions just in time.
#Bears roster move:
We have removed OL Germain Ifedi from the PUP list.— Bears Communications (@BearsPR) August 23, 2021
The starting lineup seems clear at this point.
Peters and Ifedi will handle the tackle spots while Daniels, Cody Whitehair, and Sam Mustipher man the interior. If the group can somehow manage to stay healthy, that should be a fairly serviceable starting five. Enough to keep Andy Dalton from being murdered on opening night. Perhaps the biggest beneficiary will be David Montgomery. The clear strength of this group might be its run blocking potential.
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While the process has been tough to watch at times, especially this past weekend against Buffalo, the Bears have at least gotten a great opportunity to evaluate what they have in reserve. Elijah Wilkinson, the veteran they picked up from Denver this year, was a liability in every way. Former 7th round pick Lachavious Simmons has played every snap at right tackle. He hasn’t been terrible but nothing about his play suggests he’s any good either.
As for Borom? He looked sharp at left tackle. A surprise since he’s never played it before and had recently returned from a concussion.
Chicago Bears offensive line faced a brutal early challenge
Drawing Aaron Donald in their first game of the year on the road? Yeah, that’s not ideal. Everybody remembers what the Rams did to this front last year. The Bears won’t have much time to catch their breath either. Two weeks later they travel to Cleveland where Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney will be waiting. Then it’s the Packers, Buccaneers, 49ers, and Steelers in Weeks 6-9. These are arguably top 10 pass rushes from last season.
This is why so many people are concerned about the Chicago Bears offensive line. While Pace and the front office worked hard to beef it up this offseason, it may not have been enough. Bad luck is playing a big part. Jenkins’ injury really hurt their plans. Still, there is no time to mull over what can’t be changed. There is enough talent in this group to be effective.
It comes down to health and proper execution.
Offensive line coach Juan Castillo has done this before. His ability to juggle players and find a working formula was on display last season. The team can trust him to get this group ready for next month. Whether that’s enough to overcome the other problems that continue to permeate with the Matt Nagy offense? That is a different story.