Wednesday was a dark moment for the Chicago Bears offensive line as the news dropped rookie 2nd round tackle Teven Jenkins underwent back surgery. It left many wondering what the fate of this group will be. Thankfully, it only took 24 hours for them to get some good news. According to head coach Matt Nagy, 5th round pick Larry Borom is back at practice after missing over a week with a concussion.
He’s not alone either. Veteran left tackle Jason Peters is also through the COVID-19 protocol and will begin practicing too. Those are two big jolts of help to a tackle position that has been depleted for most of training camp. This should hopefully make life easier for the quarterbacks moving forward. Where it gets interesting though is that Nagy made it clear Borom remains in competition for the left tackle job rather than moving back to the right side.
Cautious approach to QB Justin Fields, who is expected to practice today working through a sore groin. Rookie T Larry Borom returns from concussion protocol and 9x PB LT Jason Peters wearing #71 will work today. @WBBMNewsradio
— Jeff Joniak (@JeffJoniak) August 19, 2021
Nagy says that #Bears rookie OT Larry Borom will continue working/competing at LT position.
— Larry Mayer (@LarryMayer) August 19, 2021
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That is an interesting development.
Nagy stated that a number of things convinced the team that Borom’s future may be at left tackle. First was the fact that he dropped so much weight coming out of college. A sign of his dedication to remaking his body. It made it immediately clear that he was lighter and quicker on his feet. Then the team got to Family Fest at Soldier Fields, the first padded practice of camp. Borom impressed everybody with his performance in drills.
Unfortunately, the concussion derailed his progress. Now with Peters in the mix he faces a much steeper climb to claim a starting job. Yet it is clear the team sees a bright future ahead for him. Even so, it does leave some questions left unanswered regarding the right tackle spot. Germain Ifedi still hasn’t returned from his hip flexor. If nothing else, this speaks to how confident the team is in Lachavious Simmons. The former 7th round pick has basically operated as the “starter” there since camp opened.
Chicago Bears offensive line may come together just in time
Right now it looks like four of their five starting spots are finally settling down. Cody Whitehair and Sam Mustipher have remained steady throughout camp at left guard and center. James Daniels just returned from a quad injury. So right guard is coming around. Now Peters has a number of weeks to get caught up at left tackle. Presuming no more injuries, that just leaves right tackle.
Nagy said the Chicago Bears were always targeting Week 1 for Ifedi. Hip flexors are tricky injuries. Especially for linemen. He remains on the PUP list. If he is going to play in Los Angeles, then it’s a safe bet he will probably return some time next week. Until then, Simmons will continue to get valuable reps. One must give the kid credit for hanging in there in a tough spot.
It also does open up one other development.
With Borom pressing ahead at left tackle, it’s fair to wonder if the Bears might switch Jenkins back to right tackle when he eventually returns. That was his primary spot in college and the one most draft experts felt he fit best. If Borom continues to impress, then the team might be in the perfect position to put Jenkins where he fits best.